Part 8Enforcement of certain consumer legislation

Enforcement procedure

218 Interim enforcement order

1

The court may make an interim enforcement order against a person named in the application for the order if it appears to the court—

a

that it is alleged that the person is engaged in conduct which constitutes a domestic or Community infringement or is likely to engage in conduct which constitutes a Community infringement,

b

that if the application had been an application for an enforcement order it would be likely to be granted,

c

that it is expedient that the conduct is prohibited or prevented (as the case may be) immediately, and

d

if no notice of the application has been given to the person named in the application that it is appropriate to make an interim enforcement order without notice.

2

An interim enforcement order must—

a

indicate the nature of the alleged conduct, and

b

direct the person to comply with subsection (3).

3

A person complies with this subsection if he—

a

does not continue or repeat the conduct;

b

does not engage in such conduct in the course of his business or another business;

c

does not consent to or connive in the carrying out of such conduct by a body corporate with which he has a special relationship (within the meaning of section 222(3)).

4

But subsection (3)(a) does not apply in so far as the application is made in respect of an allegation that the person is likely to engage in conduct which constitutes a Community infringement.

5

An application for an interim enforcement order against a person may be made at any time before an application for an enforcement order against the person in respect of the same conduct is determined.

6

An application for an interim enforcement order must refer to all matters—

a

which are known to the applicant, and

b

which are material to the question whether or not the application is granted.

7

If an application for an interim enforcement order is made without notice the application must state why no notice has been given.

8

The court may vary or discharge an interim enforcement order on the application of—

a

the enforcer who applied for the order;

b

the person against whom it is made.

9

An interim enforcement order against a person is discharged on the determination of an application for an enforcement order made against the person in respect of the same conduct.

10

If it appears to the court as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c) the court may instead of making an interim enforcement order accept an undertaking from the person named in the application—

a

to comply with subsection (3), or

b

to take steps which the court believes will secure that he complies with subsection (3).

11

An interim enforcement order made by a court in one part of the United Kingdom has effect in any other part of the United Kingdom as if made by a court in that part.