23.—(1) An unlisted operator (“Q”) may apply to the Secretary of State to be designated as a UK administered operator.
(2) Where such an application is made the Secretary of State must, after consulting the relevant persons—
(a)designate Q in accordance with regulation 22(1) and (2); or
(b)refuse the application.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2) the relevant persons are—
(a)the person who will be the regulator of Q if the designation is made;
(b)a person (other than the Secretary of State) who will then be the authority in relation to Q; and
(c)such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(4) An application under this regulation must be accompanied by evidence that the United Kingdom is to be regarded as the administering member State in respect of Q.