[F11253BRequests from EEA competent authoritiesU.K.
(1)The Secretary of State must take all necessary steps to—
(a)ensure that an investigation is carried out, or
(b)provide any other assistance or information,
if requested to do so by an EEA competent authority in accordance with Article 36 of the Audit Directive (cooperation between Member State authorities).
(2)Within 28 days following the date on which he receives the request, the Secretary of State must—
(a)provide the assistance or information required by the EEA competent authority under subsection (1)(b), or
(b)notify the EEA competent authority which made the request of the reasons why he has not done so.
(3)But the Secretary of State need not take steps to comply with a request under subsection (1) if—
(a)he considers that complying with the request may prejudice the sovereignty, security or public order of the United Kingdom;
(b)legal proceedings have been brought in the United Kingdom (whether continuing or not) in relation to the persons and matters to which the request relates; or
(c)disciplinary action has been taken by a recognised supervisory body in relation to the persons and matters to which the request relates.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 1253A-1253C and cross-heading inserted (6.4.2008) by The Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3494), reg. 14(1) (with reg. 14(2))