3(1)This paragraph applies where the Board receives a request under paragraph 2, in respect of an activity, from—E+W
(a)the Lord Chancellor,
(b)the [F1CMA],
(c)the Consumer Panel, or
(d)the Lord Chief Justice.
(2)The Board must—
(a)carry out such inquiries as it considers appropriate to enable it to determine whether it is appropriate to hold a section 24 investigation or, as the case may be, a section 26 investigation in respect of the activity, and
(b)make that determination within the preliminary inquiry period.
(3)“The preliminary inquiry period” means the period of 3 months beginning with the day on which the request under paragraph 2 was received by the Board.
(4)The Board may, before the end of the preliminary inquiry period in relation to a request, issue a notice extending that period by a period specified in the notice.
(5)More than one notice may be issued under sub-paragraph (4), but the total preliminary inquiry period must not exceed 4 months.
(6)A notice under sub-paragraph (4) must state the Board's reasons for extending the preliminary inquiry period.
(7)The Board must publish a notice issued under sub-paragraph (4).
Textual Amendments
F1Word in Sch. 6 para. 3(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 118(2); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)