Suspension of members
6.—(1) Paragraphs (2) to (4) apply where it appears to the Secretary of State in relation to a member that one of the conditions in paragraph 3(3) of Schedule 7 to the Act is or may be satisfied.
(2) Where this paragraph applies, the Secretary of State may suspend the member from office by giving him notice in writing to that effect.
(3) Such notice shall give the reason for, and the period of, the suspension and the date that it is to begin.
(4) Where this paragraph applies, the Secretary of State may—
(a)before the period referred to in the notice has expired, extend, or further extend, the suspension for a further specified period, or
(b)if it has expired, impose a further suspension for a specified period,
by giving the member notice in writing to that effect.
(5) Where a member is suspended under this regulation, he may apply in writing to the Secretary of State to remove the suspension or to reduce its period, and the Secretary of State may so direct that the suspension shall cease or the period of it be reduced.
(6) A member shall cease to perform his functions as a member for the period of the suspension but the period of his term of office shall not be affected by the suspension.
(7) Where the Secretary of State removes a suspension before the end of the period specified by him in a notice given under paragraph (2), or reduces its period, he shall notify the member in writing to that effect.