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Enterprise Act 2002

Type Public General Act

Publication 2002-11-07

Last updated 2026-04-06

State In force

Department Statute Law Database

Source legislation.gov.uk

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(50A) (1) Subsection (2) below applies where— (a) section 41(2), 55(2), 66(6), 75(2), 83(2), 138(2), 147(2) or 160(2) of, or paragraph 5(2) or 10(2) of Schedule 7 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 (powers to take remedial action following merger or market investigations) applies; (b) the Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State considers that it would be appropriate to make an application under this section for the purpose of remedying, mitigating or preventing a matter which cannot be dealt with under the enactment concerned; and (c) the matter concerned involves— (i) conditions in licences granted under a patent by its proprietor restricting the use of the invention by the licensee or the right of the proprietor to grant other licences; or (ii) a refusal by the proprietor of a patent to grant licences on reasonable terms. (2) The Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State may apply to the comptroller to take action under this section. (3) Before making an application the Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State shall publish, in such manner as it or he thinks appropriate, a notice describing the nature of the proposed application and shall consider any representations which may be made within 30 days of such publication by persons whose interests appear to it or him to be affected. (4) The comptroller may, if it appears to him on an application under this section that the application is made in accordance with this section, by order cancel or modify any condition concerned of the kind mentioned in subsection (1)(c)(i) above or may, instead or in addition, make an entry in the register to the effect that licences under the patent are to be available as of right. (5) References in this section to the Competition Commission shall, in cases where section 75(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 applies, be read as references to the Office of Fair Trading. (6) References in section 35, 36, 47, 63, 134 or 141 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (questions to be decided by the Competition Commission in its reports) to taking action under section 41(2), 55, 66, 138 or 147 shall include references to taking action under subsection (2) above. (7) Action taken by virtue of subsection (4) above in consequence of an application under subsection (2) above where an enactment mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above applies shall be treated, for the purposes of sections 91(3), 92(1)(a), 162(1) and 166(3) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (duties to register and keep under review enforcement orders etc.), as if it were the making of an enforcement order (within the meaning of the Part concerned) under the relevant power in Part 3 or (as the case may be) 4 of that Act.

(3) In section 51(1) (powers exercisable in consequence of report of Competition Commission), paragraphs (a) and (b) shall cease to have effect.

(4) In section 53(2) (statements in certain reports of the Competition Commission to be prima facie evidence of the matters stated) after “1980” there is inserted “ or published under Part 3 or 4 of the Enterprise Act 2002 ”.

Estate Agents Act 1979 (c. 38)

9

(1) The Estate Agents Act 1979 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 3 (orders prohibiting unfit persons from doing estate agency work)—

(a) in subsection (1), for “the Director General of Fair Trading (in this Act referred to as “the Director”)” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading (in this Act referred to as “the OFT”) ”;

(b) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(d) in subsections (4) and (5), for “he” (in each place) and “him” there is substituted “ it ”;

and in the cross-heading before that section, for “Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ Office of Fair Trading ”.

(3) In section 4 (warning orders)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “he” there is substituted “ it ”.

(4) In section 5 (supplementary provisions as to orders under sections 3 and 4), for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(5) In section 6 (revocation and variation of orders under sections 3 and 4)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “him” there is substituted “ it ”;

(d) in subsection (3), for “his” there is substituted “ its ”.

(6) In section 7 (appeals), in subsection (1), for “Director” (in both places) there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(7) In section 8 (register of orders etc.)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “him” and “his” there is substituted “ it ” and “ its ” respectively;

(d) in subsection (4), for “he” there is substituted “ it ”;

(e) in subsection (5), for “him” there is substituted “ it ”.

(8) In section 9 (information for the Director)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) In—

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) section 13 (clients’ money held on trust or as agent), and

for “Director” there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(10) In section 17 (exemptions from section 16)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “he” and “him” there is substituted “ it ”;

(11) In—

(a) section 19 (regulation of pre-contract deposits outside Scotland),

(b) section 20 (regulation of pre-contract deposits in Scotland), and

for “Director” there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(12) In section 25 (general duties of Director)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “himself” there is substituted “ itself ”;

(d) in subsection (3), for “he” there is substituted “ it ”.

(13) In section 26 (enforcement authorities)—

(a) for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”;

(b) subsection (2) (requirement to notify Director of intended prosecution) is omitted;

(14) In—

(a) section 29 (service of notices etc.), and

(b) section 30 (orders and regulations),

for “Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(15) In section 33 (general interpretation provisions)—

(a) the definition of “Director” shall cease to have effect;

(b) in the definition of “general notice”, for “Director” and “him” there is substituted “ OFT ” and “ it ” respectively;

“OFT” means the Office of Fair Trading;

(16) In Schedule 2 (procedure etc.)—

(a) for “Director” and “Director’s” (in each place) there is substituted “ OFT ” and “ OFT’s ”;

(b) in paragraph 1, for “his” and “he” there is substituted “ its ” and “ it ” respectively;

(d) in paragraph 6, for “his” (in both places) and “he” (in both places) there is substituted “ its ” and “ it ” respectively;

(e) in paragraph 7, for “his” and “he” there is substituted “ its ” and “ it ” respectively;

(f) in paragraph 8, for “his”, “he” (in both places) and “him” there is substituted “ its ”, “ it ” and “ it ” respectively;

(g) in paragraph 9(1), for “his” (in both places) there is substituted “ its ”;

(h) in paragraph 10(2), for “he” there is substituted “ it ”.

Competition Act 1980 (c. 21)

10

(1) The Competition Act 1980 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 11 (references of public bodies and certain other persons to the Commission)—

(a) in subsection (1)—

(i) at the end of paragraph (a) there is inserted “ or ”;

(ii) paragraph (c) and the word “or” before it shall cease to have effect;

(iii) for “paragraph (a), (b) or (c)” there is substituted “ paragraph (a) or (b) ”;

(b) subsections (2), (9) and (9A) shall cease to have effect.

(3) After section 11 there is inserted—

(11A) (1) Every reference under section 11 above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Commission on a reference under section 11 above shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 12 below) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Secretary of State under subsection (3) below. (3) The Secretary of State may, if he has received representations on the subject from the Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than three months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Secretary of State shall publish any extension made by him under subsection (3) above in such manner as he considers most suitable for bringing it to the attention of persons who in his opinion would be affected by it or be likely to have an interest in it. (11B) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 11 above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116(statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; (b) in subsection (4), for the word “publication” there were substituted “laying before both Houses of Parliament”; and (c) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (11C) (1) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to functions under this Act as it applies in relation to functions under Part 3 of that Act but as if, in subsections (1)(a) and (2), the words “the OFT,” were omitted. (2) Section 125 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (offences by bodies corporate) shall apply for the purposes of this Act as it applies for the purposes of Part 3 of that Act. (3) For the purposes of section 12 below, a conclusion contained in a report of the Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (11D) (1) Subsection (2) below applies where, in the circumstances specified in subsection (1) of section 12 below, the Secretary of State has under consideration the making of an order under subsection (5) of that section. (2) The Secretary of State may by order, for the purpose of preventing pre-emptive action— (a) prohibit or restrict the doing of things which the Secretary of State considers would constitute pre-emptive action; (b) impose on any person concerned obligations as to the carrying on of any activities or the safeguarding of any assets; (c) provide for the carrying on of any activities or the safeguarding of any assets either by the appointment of a person to conduct or supervise the conduct of any activities (on such terms and with such powers as may be specified or described in the order) or in any other manner; (d) do anything which may be done by virtue of paragraph 19 of Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 (information powers). (3) An order under this section shall come into force at such time as is determined by or under the order. (4) An order under this section shall, if it has not previously ceased to be in force, cease to be in force on the making of the order under section 12(5) below or (as the case may be) on the making of the decision not to make such an order. (5) The Secretary of State shall publish any decision made by him not to make an order under section 12(5) below in such manner as he considers most suitable for bringing it to the attention of persons who in his opinion would be affected by it or be likely to have an interest in it. (6) The Secretary of State shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, consider any representations received by him in relation to varying or revoking an order under this section. (7) The following provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply in relation to orders under this section as they apply in relation to orders under paragraph 2 of Schedule 7 to that Act— (a) section 86(2) and (3) (enforcement orders: general provisions); (b) section 87 (delegated power of directions); and (c) section 94(1) to (5), (8) and (9) (rights to enforce orders). (8) In this section “pre-emptive action” means action which might impede the making of an order under section 12(5) below.

(4) In section 12 (orders following report under section 11)—

(a) in subsection (5) for the words from “by order” to the end there is substituted “ make an order under this subsection ”;

(b) after subsection (5) there is inserted—

(5A) An order under subsection (5) above may contain anything permitted by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002, except paragraphs 8, 13 and 14 of that Schedule. (5B) An order under subsection (5) above shall come into force at such time as is determined by or under the order.

;

(6) The following provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply in relation to orders under subsection (5) above as they apply in relation to orders under paragraph 11 of Schedule 7 to that Act— (a) section 86(2) and (3) (enforcement orders: general provisions); (b) section 87 (delegated power of directions); (c) section 88 (contents of certain enforcement orders); (d) section 94(1) to (5), (8) and (9) (rights to enforce orders); and (e) Schedule 10 (procedural requirements for orders). (7) The Secretary of State shall publish any decision made by him to dispense with the requirements of Schedule 10 to the Enterprise Act 2002 as applied by subsection (6) above; and shall do so in such manner as he considers most suitable for bringing the decision to the attention of persons who in his opinion would be affected by it or be likely to have an interest in it.

(5) In section 16 (general provision as to reports)—

(a) subsection (1) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (2) the words “or of the Director” shall cease to have effect.

(6) In section 17 (laying before Parliament and publication of reports)—

(a) in subsections (1), (3) and (4), the words “or 13(5)” shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (4), for the words “against the public interest” there is substituted “ inappropriate ”;

(5) In deciding what is inappropriate for the purposes of subsection (4) the Secretary of State shall have regard to the considerations mentioned in section 244 of the Enterprise Act 2002.

(7) Sections 18(information and advice about operation of Act), 21 (monopoly references by Secretary of State alone) and 24 (modification of provisions about performance of Commission’s functions) shall cease to have effect.

(8) In section 31 (orders and regulations)—

(a) in subsection (1) the words “or regulations” shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (3)—

(i) the words “regulations under this Act or” shall cease to have effect;

(ii) after “11(4)” there is inserted “ , 11D ”;

(iii) after “above” there is inserted “ , or section 111(4) or (6) or 114(3)(b) or (4)(b) of the Enterprise Act 2002 as applied by section 11B(1)(c) or (f) above, ”;

(d) after subsection (4) there is inserted—

(5) Any power of the Secretary of State to make an order under this Act — (a) may be exercised so as to make different provision for different cases or different purposes; and (b) includes power to make such incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(9) In section 33 (interpretation), for subsection (2) there is substituted—

(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Act “Minister” includes a government department and the following expressions shall have the same meanings as they have in Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002— - “business” - “the Commission” - “enactment” - “goods” - “services” - “supply (in relation to the supply of goods)” - “the supply of services”.

(10) For the purposes of the Scotland Act 1998 (c. 46) the amendments made by this paragraph shall be taken to be pre-commencement enactments within the meaning of that Act.

Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16)

11

(1) The Civil Aviation Act 1982 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 4 (general objectives), in subsections (3) and (4), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

Agricultural Marketing (Northern Ireland) Order 1982 (S.I. 1982/1080 (N.I. 12))

12

(1) The Agricultural Marketing (Northern Ireland) Order 1982 is amended as follows.

(2) For article 23 (action following report by Commission) there is substituted—

(23) (1) Paragraph (5) applies in any of the following cases. (2) The first case is where section 138(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (duty to remedy adverse effects following market investigation reference) applies and whatever is to be remedied, mitigated or prevented relates to any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme. (3) The second case is where section 147(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (power to remedy adverse effects in public interest cases) applies and whatever is to be remedied, mitigated or prevented relates to any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme. (4) The third case is where— (a) a report of the Competition Commission under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980 (c. 21) (references of public bodies etc.), as laid before Parliament, contains conclusions to the effect that— (i) certain matters indicated in the report operate against the public interest, and (ii) those matters consist of or include any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme, and (b) none of the conclusions is to be disregarded by virtue of section 11C(3) of that Act (requirement for two-thirds majority). (5) The Department shall have the like power to make orders under Article 22 as if a report of a committee of investigation had contained the conclusion that the provision of the scheme in question, or the act or omission in question, is contrary to the interests of consumers of the regulated product. (6) An order made by virtue of this Article in a case falling within paragraph (2) or (3) shall be treated, for the purposes of sections 162(1) and 166(3) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (duties to register and keep under review enforcement orders etc.), as if it were made under the relevant power in Part 4 of that Act to make an enforcement order (within the meaning of that Part).

(3) In article 42 (action following report by Commission)—

(a) for paragraph (1) there is substituted—

(1) Paragraph (1D) applies in any of the following cases. (1A) The first case is where section 138(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (duty to remedy adverse effects following market investigation reference) applies and whatever is to be remedied, mitigated or prevented relates to any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme. (1B) The second case is where section 147(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (power to remedy adverse effects in public interest cases) applies and whatever is to be remedied, mitigated or prevented relates to any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme. (1C) The third case is where— (a) a report of the Competition Commission under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980 (c. 21) (references of public bodies etc.), as laid before Parliament, contains conclusions to the effect that— (i) certain matters indicated in the report operate against the public interest, and (ii) those matters consist of or include any provision of a scheme or any act or omission of a board administering a scheme, and (b) none of the conclusions is to be disregarded by virtue of section 11C(3) of that Act (requirement for two-thirds majority). (1D) The Department, if it thinks fit so to do— (a) may by order make such amendments in the scheme as it considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of rectifying the matter; (b) may by order revoke the scheme; (c) in the event of the matter being one which it is within the power of the board to rectify, may by order direct the board to take such steps to rectify the matter as may be specified in the order, and thereupon it shall be the duty of the board forthwith to comply with the order.

;

(b) in paragraph (2) for “paragraph (1)” there is substituted “ paragraph (1D) ”;

(d) in paragraph (5)—

(i) for “paragraph (1)(i) or (iii)” there is substituted “ paragraph (1D)(a) or (c) ”;

(ii) for “paragraph (1)(ii)” there is substituted “ paragraph (1D)(b) ”;

(e) after paragraph (5) there is inserted—

(5A) Any order made under this Article in a case falling within paragraph (1A) or (1B) shall be treated, for the purposes of sections 162(1) and 166(3) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (duties to register and keep under review enforcement orders etc.), as if it were made under the relevant power in Part 4 of that Act to make an enforcement order (within the meaning of that Part).

Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12)

13

(1) The Telecommunications Act 1984 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 3 (general duties of Secretary of State and Director), in subsection (3C), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(3) In section 13 (licence modification references to Commission), subsections (9) and (9A) shall cease to have effect.

(4) After section 13 there is inserted—

(13A) (1) Every reference under section 13 above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Commission on a reference under section 13 above shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 15 below) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Director under subsection (3) below. (3) The Director may, if he has received representations on the subject from the Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Director shall, in the case of an extension made by him under subsection (3) above— (a) publish that extension in such manner as he considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it; and (b) in the case of a licence granted to a particular person, send to that person a copy of what has been published by him under paragraph (a) above. (13B) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 13 above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; and (b) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (4) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 116 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection. (5) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection.

(5) In section 14 (reports on licence modification references)—

(a) after subsection (1) there is inserted—

(1A) For the purposes of section 15 below, a conclusion contained in a report of the Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (1B) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made on a reference under section 13 above as the conclusions of the Commission, the report shall, if the member so wishes, include a statement of his disagreement and of his reasons for disagreeing.

;

(b) for subsection (3) there is substituted—

(3) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any report made by the Commission on a reference under section 13 above. (3A) In making any report on a reference under section 13 above the Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (3B) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (3C) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (3D) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (3C)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the report.

(6) In section 47 (general functions), in subsection (4)—

(a) for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) for “that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(7) In section 48 (publication of information and advice), after subsection (3) there is inserted—

(3A) The Office of Fair Trading shall consult the Director before publishing under section 6 of the Enterprise Act 2002 any information or advice which may be published by the Director under this section.

(8) In section 50 (functions under 1973 and 1980 Acts)—

(a) subsection (1) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (3)—

(i) for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(ii) for “that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(d) in subsection (6), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(9) In section 101 (general restrictions on disclosure of information)—

(a) in subsection (2)(b), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) in subsection (3), after paragraph (o) there is inserted—

(p) the Enterprise Act 2002

;

(i) for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(ii) for “sections 55 and 56 of that Act (disclosure)” there is substituted “ Part 9 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (Information) ”.

(10) In section 103 (time limits for summary proceedings)—

(a) that section shall be renumbered as subsection (1) of that section;

(b) after that subsection there is inserted—

(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply for the purposes of an offence under any provision of the Enterprise Act 2002 as applied by virtue of section 13B above.

Airports Act 1986 (c. 31)

14

(1) The Airports Act 1986 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 44 (supplementary provisions relating to references to Commission), subsections (3) and (3A) shall cease to have effect.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) In section 74 (restriction on disclosure of information)—

(a) in subsection (2), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) in subsection (3), at the end there is inserted—

(r) the Enterprise Act 2002

Gas Act 1986 (c. 44)

15

(1) The Gas Act 1986 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 4B (exceptions from sections 4AA to 4A), in subsection (3), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(3) In section 24 (licence modification references to Commission)—

(a) subsections (7) and (7A) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (8), after “sections” there is inserted “ 24A, ”.

(4) After section 24 there is inserted—

(24A) (1) Every reference under section 24 above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Competition Commission on a reference under section 24 above shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 26 below) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Authority under subsection (3) below. (3) The Authority may, if it has received representations on the subject from the Competition Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Authority shall, in the case of an extension made by it under subsection (3) above— (a) publish that extension in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it; and (b) send a copy of what has been published by it under paragraph (a) above to the holder of the licence or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders. (24B) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 24 above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; and (b) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (4) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 116 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection. (5) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection.

(5) In section 25 (reports on licence modification references)—

(a) after subsection (1) there is inserted—

(1A) For the purposes of sections 26 and 26A below, a conclusion contained in a report of the Competition Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (1B) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made on a reference under section 24 above as the conclusions of the Competition Commission, the report shall, if the member so wishes, include a statement of his disagreement and of his reasons for disagreeing.

;

(b) for subsection (3) there is substituted—

(3) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any report made by the Competition Commission on a reference under section 24 above. (3A) In making any report on a reference under section 24 above the Competition Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (3B) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (3C) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (3D) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (3C)(a) or (b) above is necessary for the purposes of the report.

(6) In section 26A (Commission’s power to veto modifications following report)—

(a) after subsection (11) there is inserted—

(11A) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any notice under subsection (4)(a), (6) or (8). (11B) In giving any notice under subsection (4)(a) or (6), or publishing any notice under subsection (8), the Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (11C) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (11D) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (11E) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (11D)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the notice. (11F) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (11G) and (11H), for the purposes of any investigation by the Commission for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under this section, as they apply for the purposes of any investigation on references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (11G) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (11F), have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; (b) in subsection (4), for the words “the publication of the report of the Commission on the reference concerned” there were substituted “the publication by the Commission of a notice under section 26A(8) of the Gas Act 1986 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction has been given by the Commission under section 26A(1) of that Act in connection with the reference concerned and within the period permitted for that purpose, the latest day on which it was possible to give such a direction within the permitted period”; and (c) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (11H) Section 111(5)(b) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (11F), have effect as if for sub-paragraph (ii) there were substituted— (“) if earlier, the day on which a notice is published by the Commission under section 26A(8) of the Gas Act 1986 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction is given by the Commission under section 26A(1) of that Act in connection with the reference concerned and within the period permitted for that purpose, the latest day on which such a direction may be given within the permitted period. ”. (11I) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 116 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (11F) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection. (11J) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection.

;

(b) subsections (12) and (13) shall cease to have effect.

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(8) In section 34 (general functions), in subsection (4)—

(a) for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”; and

(b) for “that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(9) In section 35 (publication of information and advice), after subsection (3) there is inserted—

(3A) The Office of Fair Trading shall consult the Authority before publishing under section 6 of the Enterprise Act 2002 any information or advice which may be published by the Authority under this section.

(10) In section 36A (functions with respect to competition)—

(a) subsection (1) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (3), for “the Director General of Fair Trading, the functions of that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading, the functions of the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(d) in subsection (7), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(11) In section 41E (references to Commission about activities which are not licensable), subsections (7) and (8) shall cease to have effect.

(12) After section 41E there is inserted—

(41EA) (1) Every reference under section 41E above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Competition Commission on a reference under section 41E above shall not have effect (in particular for the purposes of section 41D(5) above) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Authority under subsection (3) below. (3) The Authority may, if it has received representations on the subject from the Competition Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Authority shall publish an extension under subsection (3) above in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it. (41EB) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 41E above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; and (b) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (4) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to functions of the Competition Commission in connection with references under section 41E above as it applies in relation to its functions under Part 3 of that Act but as if, in subsections (1)(a) and (2), the words “the OFT,” and “or the Secretary of State” were omitted. (5) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 117 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections. (6) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections.

(13) In section 41F (reports on references under section 41E)—

(a) after subsection (3) there is inserted—

(3A) For the purposes of section 41D(5), a conclusion contained in a report of the Competition Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (3B) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made on a reference under section 41E as the conclusions of the Competition Commission, the report shall, if the member so wishes, include a statement of his disagreement and of his reasons for disagreeing.

;

(b) for subsection (4) there is substituted—

(4) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any report made by the Competition Commission on a reference under section 41E. (4A) In making any report on a reference under section 41E the Competition Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (4B) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (4C) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (4D) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (4C)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the report.

(14) In section 62 (exclusion of certain agreements from Restrictive Trade Practices Act 1976), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” (in both places) there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43)

16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (S.I. 1987/2049 (N.I. 20))

17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

(2) In section 144 (powers exercisable in consequence of report of Commission) for subsections (1) and (2) there is substituted—

(1) Subsection (1A) applies where whatever needs to be remedied, mitigated or prevented by the Secretary of State, the Office of Fair Trading or (as the case may be) the Competition Commission under section 12(5) of the Competition Act 1980 or section 41(2), 55(2), 66(6), 75(2), 83(2), 138(2), 147(2) or 160(2) of, or paragraph 5(2) or 10(2) of Schedule 7 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 (powers to take remedial action following references to the Commission in connection with public bodies and certain other persons, mergers or market investigations) consists of or includes— (a) conditions in licences granted by the owner of copyright in a work restricting the use of the work by the licensee or the right of the copyright owner to grant other licences; or (b) a refusal of a copyright owner to grant licences on reasonable terms. (1A) The powers conferred by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 include power to cancel or modify those conditions and, instead or in addition, to provide that licences in respect of the copyright shall be available as of right. (2) The references to anything permitted by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 in section 12(5A) of the Competition Act 1980 and insections 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a) and 164(1) of, and paragraphs 5, 10 and 11 of Schedule 7 to, the Act of 2002 shall be construed accordingly.

(3) In section 144(3)—

(a) for “A Minister” there is substituted “ The Secretary of State, the Office of Fair Trading or (as the case may be) the Competition Commission ”;

(b) after “he” there is inserted “ or it ”.

(4) In section 238 (powers exercisable for protection of the public interest), for subsections (1) and (2) there is substituted—

(1) Subsection (1A) applies where whatever needs to be remedied, mitigated or prevented by the Secretary of State, the Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Office of Fair Trading under section 12(5) of the Competition Act 1980 or section 41(2), 55(2), 66(6), 75(2), 83(2), 138(2), 147(2) or 160(2) of, or paragraph 5(2) or 10(2) of Schedule 7 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 (powers to take remedial action following references to the Commission in connection with public bodies and certain other persons, mergers or market investigations etc.) consists of or includes— (a) conditions in licences granted by a design right owner restricting the use of the design by the licensee or the right of the design right owner to grant other licences, or (b) a refusal of a design right owner to grant licences on reasonable terms. (1A) The powers conferred by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 include power to cancel or modify those conditions and, instead or in addition, to provide that licences in respect of the design right shall be available as of right. (2) The references to anything permitted by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 in section 12(5A) of the Competition Act 1980 and in sections 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a) and 164(1) of, and paragraphs 5, 10 and 11 of Schedule 7 to, the Act of 2002 shall be construed accordingly.

(5) In Schedule 2A, in paragraph 17 (powers exercisable in consequence of competition report)—

(a) for sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) there is substituted—

(1) Sub-paragraph (1A) applies where whatever needs to be remedied, mitigated or prevented by the Secretary of State, the Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Office of Fair Trading under section 12(5) of the Competition Act 1980 or section 41(2), 55(2), 66(6), 75(2), 83(2), 138(2), 147(2) or 160(2) of, or paragraph 5(2) or 10(2) of Schedule 7 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 (powers to take remedial action following references to the Commission in connection with public bodies and certain other persons, mergers or market investigations etc.) consists of or includes— (a) conditions in licences granted by the owner of a performer’s property rights restricting the use to which a recording may be put by the licensee or the right of the owner to grant other licenses, or (b) a refusal of an owner of a performer’s property rights to grant licences on reasonable terms. (1A) The powers conferred by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 include power to cancel or modify those conditions and, instead or in addition, to provide that licences in respect of the performer’s property rights shall be available as of right. (2) The references to anything permitted by Schedule 8 to the Enterprise Act 2002 in section 12(5A) of the Competition Act 1980 and in sections 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a) and 164(1) of, and paragraphs 5, 10 and 11 of Schedule 7to, the Act of 2002 shall be construed accordingly.

;

(b) in sub-paragraph (3)—

(i) for “A Minister” there is substituted “ The Secretary of State, the Competition Commission or (as the case may be) the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(ii) after “he” there is inserted “ or it ”.

Water Act 1989 (c. 15)

19

(1) The Water Act 1989 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 174 (general restrictions on disclosure of information)—

(a) in subsection (2)(d), for sub-paragraph (ii) there is substituted—

(ii) the Office of Fair Trading;

(b) in subsection (3), after paragraph (lm) there is inserted—

(ln) the Enterprise Act 2002;

Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)

20

(1) The Electricity Act 1989 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 3D (exceptions from sections 3A to 3C), in subsection (4), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(3) In section 12 (licence modification references to Commission)—

(a) in subsection (6A), after “sections” there is inserted “ 12A, ”;

(b) subsections (8) and (8A)shall cease to have effect.

(4) After section 12 there is inserted—

(12A) (1) Every reference under section 12 above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Competition Commission on a reference under section 12 above shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 14 below) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Authority under subsection (3) below. (3) The Authority may, if it has received representations on the subject from the Competition Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Authority shall, in the case of an extension made by it under subsection (3) above— (a) publish that extension in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it; and (b) send a copy of what has been published by it under paragraph (a) above to the holder of the licence or, as the case may be, the relevant licence holders. (12B) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 12 above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; and (b) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (4) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 116 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection. (5) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection.

(5) In section 13 (reports on licence modification references)—

(a) after subsection (1) there is inserted—

(1A) For the purposes of sections 14 and 14A below, a conclusion contained in a report of the Competition Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (1B) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made on a reference under section 12 above as the conclusions of the Competition Commission, the report shall, if the member so wishes, include a statement of his disagreement and of his reasons for disagreeing.

;

(b) for subsection (3) there is substituted—

(3) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any report made by the Competition Commission on a reference under section 12 above. (3A) In making any report on a reference under section 12 above the Competition Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (3B) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (3C) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Competition Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (3D) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (3C)(a) or (b) above is necessary for the purposes of the report.

(6) In section 14A (Commission’s power to veto modifications following report)—

(a) after subsection (11) there is inserted—

(11A) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any notice under subsection (4)(a), (6) or (8). (11B) In giving any notice under subsection (4)(a) or (6), or publishing any notice under subsection (8), the Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (11C) The first consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable) any information whose disclosure the Commission thinks is contrary to the public interest. (11D) The second consideration is the need to exclude from disclosure (so far as practicable)— (a) commercial information whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the legitimate business interests of the undertaking to which it relates, or (b) information relating to the private affairs of an individual whose disclosure the Commission thinks might significantly harm the individual’s interests. (11E) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (11D)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the notice. (11F) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (11G) and (11H), for the purposes of any investigation by the Commission for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under this section, as they apply for the purposes of any investigation on references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (11G) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (11F), have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; (b) in subsection (4), for the words “the publication of the report of the Commission on the reference concerned” there were substituted “the publication by the Commission of a notice under section 14A(8) of the Electricity Act 1989 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction has been given by the Commission under section 14A(1) of that Act in connection with the reference concerned and within the period permitted for that purpose, the latest day on which it was possible to give such a direction within the permitted period;“ and (c) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (11H) Section 111(5)(b) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (11F), have effect as if for sub-paragraph (ii) there were substituted— (“) if earlier, the day on which a notice is published by the Commission under section 14A(8) of the Electricity Act 1989 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction is given by the Commission under section 14A(1) of that Act in connection with the reference concerned and within the period permitted for that purpose, the latest day on which such a direction may be given within the permitted period. ” (11I) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 116 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (11F) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection. (11J) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of that subsection.

;

(b) subsections (12) and (13) shall cease to have effect.

(7) In section 43 (functions with respect to competition)—

(a) subsection (1) shall cease to have effect;

(b) in subsection (3), for “the Director General of Fair Trading, the functions of that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading, the functions of the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(d) in subsection (6), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) In section 47 (general functions), in subsection (3)—

(a) for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) for “that Director” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(10) In section 48 (publication of information and advice), in subsection (3),—

(a) for “The Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ The Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) for “section 124 of the 1973 Act” there is substituted “ section 6 of the Enterprise Act 2002 ”.

(11) In section 56C (references to Commission about activities which are not licensable), subsections (7) and (8) shall cease to have effect.

(12) After section 56C there is inserted—

(56CA) (1) Every reference under section 56C above shall specify a period (not longer than six months beginning with the date of the reference) within which a report on the reference is to be made. (2) A report of the Competition Commission on a reference under section 56C above shall not have effect (in particular for the purposes of section 56B(5) above) unless the report is made before the end of the period specified in the reference or such further period (if any) as may be allowed by the Authority under subsection (3) below. (3) The Authority may, if it has received representations on the subject from the Competition Commission and is satisfied that there are special reasons why the report cannot be made within the period specified in the reference, extend that period by no more than six months. (4) No more than one extension is possible under subsection (3) above in relation to the same reference. (5) The Authority shall publish an extension under subsection (3) above in such manner as it considers appropriate for the purpose of bringing it to the attention of persons likely to be affected by it. (56CB) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) below, for the purposes of references under section 56C above as they apply for the purposes of references under that Part— (a) section 109 (attendance of witnesses and production of documents etc.); (b) section 110 (enforcement of powers under section 109: general); (c) section 111 (penalties); (d) section 112 (penalties: main procedural requirements); (e) section 113 (payments and interest by instalments); (f) section 114 (appeals in relation to penalties); (g) section 115 (recovery of penalties); and (h) section 116 (statement of policy). (2) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) subsection (2) were omitted; and (b) in subsection (9) the words from “or section” to “section 65(3))” were omitted. (3) Section 111(5)(b)(ii) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (1) above, have effect as if— (a) for the words “published (or, in the case of a report under section 50 or 65, given)” there were substituted “made”; (b) for the words “published (or given)”, in both places where they appear, there were substituted “made”; and (c) the words “by this Part” were omitted. (4) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to functions of the Competition Commission in connection with references under section 56C above as it applies in relation to its functions under Part 3 of that Act but as if, in subsections (1)(a) and (2), the words “the OFT,” and “or the Secretary of State” were omitted. (5) Provisions of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 which have effect for the purposes of sections 109 to 117 of that Act (including, in particular, provisions relating to offences and the making of orders) shall, for the purposes of the application of those sections by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections. (6) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections.

(13) In section 56D (reports on references under section 56C)—

(a) after subsection (3) there is inserted—

(3A) For the purposes of section 56B(5), a conclusion contained in a report of the Competition Commission is to be disregarded if the conclusion is not that of at least two-thirds of the members of the group constituted in connection with the reference concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (3B) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made on a reference under section 56C as the conclusions of the Competition Commission, the report shall, if the member so wishes, include a statement of his disagreement and of his reasons for disagreeing.

;

(b) for subsection (4) there is substituted—

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