104 Certain duties of relevant authorities to consultF1U.K.
(1)Subsection (2) applies where the relevant authority is proposing to make a relevant decision in a way which the relevant authority considers is likely to be adverse to the interests of a relevant party.
(2)The relevant authority shall, so far as practicable, consult that party about what is proposed before making that decision.
(3)In consulting the party concerned, the relevant authority shall, so far as practicable, give the reasons of the relevant authority for the proposed decision.
(4)In considering what is practicable for the purposes of this section the relevant authority shall, in particular, have regard to—
(a)any restrictions imposed by any timetable for making the decision; and
(b)any need to keep what is proposed, or the reasons for it, confidential.
(5)The duty under this section shall not apply in relation to the making of any decision so far as particular provision is made elsewhere by virtue of this Part for consultation before the making of that decision.
(6)In this section—
“the relevant authority” means the OFT, the Commission or the Secretary of State;
“relevant decision” means—
(a)in the case of the OFT, any decision by the OFT—
(i)as to whether to make a reference under section 22 or 33 or accept undertakings under section 73 instead of making such a reference; or
(ii)to vary under section 37 such a reference;
(b)in the case of the Commission, any decision on the questions mentioned in section 35(1) or (3), 36(1) or (2), 47 or 63; and
(c)in the case of the Secretary of State, any decision by the Secretary of State—
(i)as to whether to make a reference under section 45 or 62; or
(ii)to vary under section 49 or (as the case may be) 64 such a reference; and
“relevant party” means any person who appears to the relevant authority to control enterprises which are the subject of the reference or possible reference concerned.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 104 applied (with modifications) (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1592), art. 15, Sch. 3 para. 1(1)(l)(12) (as amended (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Protection of Legitimate Interests) (Amendment) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/891), arts. 1, 18(1)-(17) (with arts. 20-23))
Textual Amendments applied to the whole legislation
F1Act: for the words "solicitor of the Supreme Court of Northern Ireland" wherever they occur there is substituted (prosp.) the words "solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland" by virtue of Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 59, 148(1), Sch. 11 para. 5 [Editorial Note: this amendment will be carried through into the text of the Act at the same time as any other effects on the Act for the year in which the relevant commencement order (or first such order) is made]