Part 4Market Studies and Market Investigations
Chapter 1 Market Studies and market investigation references
Determination of references
F1138ATime-limits for discharging duty under section 138
(1)
The CMA shall discharge its duty under section 138(2) within the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which it publishes the report concerned under section 136.
(2)
The CMA may extend, by no more than 4 months, the period within which its duty under section 138(2) is required to be discharged if it considers that there are special reasons for doing so.
(3)
The CMA may extend the period within which its duty under section 138(2) is required to be discharged if it considers that—
(a)
a person has failed (whether with or without reasonable excuse) to comply with any requirement of a notice under section 174 which was given in relation to the reference; and
(b)
the failure is preventing the CMA from properly discharging its duty under section 138(2).
(4)
An extension under subsection (2) or (3) shall come into force when published under section 172.
(5)
An extension under subsection (3) continues in force until—
(a)
the person concerned provides the information or documents to the satisfaction of the CMA or (as the case may be) appears as a witness in accordance with the requirements of the CMA; or
(b)
the CMA publishes its decision to cancel the extension.