SCHEDULE 2PREVENTION OF RESTRICTIVE PRACTICES

Exemptions from the Fair Trading Act 1973

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1

For the purpose of determining whether a monopoly situation within the meaning of the Fair Trading Act 1973 exists by reason of the circumstances mentioned in section 7(1)(c) of that Act, no account shall be taken of—

a

the rules or guidance issued by an Operator or any conduct constituting such a practice as is mentioned in paragraph 1(2); or

b

any guidance issued by the designated agency in the exercise of its functions under these Regulations or any practices of the designated agency in the exercise of its functions under these Regulations.

2

Where an Operator’s approval is withdrawn there shall be disregarded for the purpose mentioned in subparagraph (1) any such conduct as is mentioned in that subparagraph which occurred while the approval was in force.

3

Where on a monopoly reference under section 50 or 51 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 falling within section 49 of that Act the Competition Commission find that a monopoly situation within the meaning of that Act exists, and—

a

that the person (or, if more than one, any of the persons) in whose favour it exists is subject to the rules of an Operator or to the requirements imposed and guidance issued by the designated agency in the exercise of functions delegated to it under regulation 11; or

b

that any such person’s conduct in carrying on any business to which those rules relate is the subject of guidance issued by an Operator or the designated agency; or

c

that the person (or, if more than one, any of the persons) in whose favour the monopoly situation exists is an Operator or the designated agency,

the Commission, in making their report on that reference, shall exclude from their consideration the question whether the rules, guidance or any acts or omissions of such an Operator or agency as is mentioned in subparagraph (c) in his or its capacity as such operate, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest; and section 54(3) of that Act shall apply subject to the provisions of this paragraph.