Legalize / United Kingdom / Public General Act

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

articles Not indexed

Reform history JSON API

(49) In section 71 (regulations, orders and rules), in subsection (4), after paragraph (c) there is inserted—

(ca) section 45(8),

(50) In Schedule 1 (exclusions: mergers and concentrations)—

(a) in paragraph 1—

(i) in sub-paragraph (1), for the words from “Part V” to “1973 Act”)” there is substituted “ Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (“the 2002 Act”) ”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (4), for “Section 65 of the 1973 Act” there is substituted “ Section 26 of the 2002 Act ”;

(b) in paragraph 2—

(i) in sub-paragraph (1)(a), for “Part V of the 1973 Act” there is substituted “ Part 3 of the 2002 Act ”;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (2), for “Section 65 of the 1973 Act” there is substituted “ Section 26 of the 2002 Act ”;

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

(ii) in sub-paragraph (2), for “he” (in both places) and “him” there is substituted “ it ” and “ the OFT ” respectively;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (5), for “he” (in both places) there is substituted “ it ”;

(d) in paragraph 5, for paragraphs (a) to (d) there is substituted—

(a) the OFT or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State has published its or his decision not to make a reference to the Competition Commission under section 22, 33, 45 or 62 of the 2002 Act in connection with the agreement; (b) the OFT or (as the case may be) the Secretary of State has made a reference to the Competition Commission under section 22, 33, 45 or 62 of the 2002 Act in connection with the agreement and the Commission has found that the agreement has given rise to, or would if carried out give rise to, a relevant merger situation or (as the case may be) a special merger situation; (c) the agreement does not fall within paragraph (a) or (b) but has given rise to, or would if carried out give rise to, enterprises to which it relates being regarded under section 26 of the 2002 Act as ceasing to be distinct enterprises (otherwise than as the result of subsection (3) or (4)(b) of that section); or (d) the OFT has made a reference to the Competition Commission under section 32 of the Water Industry Act 1991 in connection with the agreement and the Commission has found that the agreement has given rise to, or would if carried out give rise to, a merger of any two or more water enterprises of the kind to which that section applies.

(51) In Schedule 3 (general exclusions)—

(a) in paragraph 2—

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

(ii) in sub-paragraph (4), for “he” (in both places) and “him” there is substituted “ it ” and “ the OFT ” respectively;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (7), for “if he” and “he is” there is substituted “ if it ” and “ the OFT is ” respectively;

(b) in paragraph 9—

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

(ii) in sub-paragraph (4), for “he” (in both places) and “him” there is substituted “ it ” and “ the OFT ” respectively;

(iii) in sub-paragraph (7), for “he” (in both places) there is substituted “ it ”.

(52) In Schedule 5 (notification under Chapter 1: procedure)—

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

(b) in paragraph 3, for “he” (in the first place) and “his” there is substituted “ it ” and “ its ” respectively;

(i) for “he thinks” there is substituted “ it thinks ”;

(ii) for “bringing it” there is substituted “ bringing the application ”;

(iii) for “he is” there is substituted “ the OFT is ”;

(iv) the words “for him” shall cease to have effect;

(d) in paragraph 5(3), for “him” there is substituted “ it ”;

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

(53) In Schedule 6 (notification under Chapter 2: procedure)—

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

(b) in paragraph 3(1) and (2), for “he” there is substituted “ it ”;

(i) for “he thinks” there is substituted “ it thinks ”;

(ii) for “bringing it” there is substituted “ bringing the application ”;

(iii) for “he is” there is substituted “ the OFT is ”;

(iv) the words “for him” shall cease to have effect;

(d) in paragraph 5(3), for “him” there is substituted “ it ”;

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

(54) In Schedule 8 (appeals)—

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

(b) in paragraph 2(2)(c), for “Director’s exercise of his” there is substituted “ OFT’s exercise of its ”;

(55) In Schedule 9 (Director’s rules), for “Director” (in each place), “he” (in each place), “Director’s” (in each place) and “him” there is substituted “ OFT ”, “ it ”, “ OFT’s ” and “ it ” respectively.

Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29)

39

(1) The Greater London Authority Act 1999 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 235 (restrictions on disclosure of information)—

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

(ii) the Office of Fair Trading,

;

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

(rs) the Enterprise Act 2002;

Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (c. 8)

40

(1) The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 is amended as follows.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

(6) In section 194 (general grounds on which power of intervention is exercisable), in subsection (3), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(7) In section 203 (power to prohibit the carrying on of Consumer Credit Act business)—

(a) in subsection (1)—

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

(ii) for “he” there is substituted “ it ”;

(b) in subsection (2), for “Director” and “he” there is substituted “ OFT ” and “ it ” respectively;

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

(8) In section 204 (power to restrict the carrying on of Consumer Credit Act business), for “Director” (in each place) and “him” there is substituted “ OFT ” and “ it ” respectively.

(9) In section 295 (notification), for “Director” there is substituted “ OFT ”.

(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(16) In section 399 (misleading the Director General of Fair Trading)—

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

(b) in the sidenote, for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the OFT ”.

(17) In section 401 (proceedings for offences), in subsection (4), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(18) In section 427(3)(a) (transitional provisions), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(19) In Schedule 3 (EEA passport rights)—

(a) in paragraph 15(3), for “the Director General of Fair Trading” and “him” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ” and “ it ” respectively;

(b) in paragraph 23(2), for “the Director of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(20) In Schedule 14 (role of Competition Commission)—

(a) in paragraph 2(a), for “Director” and “it” there is substituted “ OFT ” and “ the Commission ” respectively;

(b) after paragraph 2 there is inserted—

Investigations under section 162: application of Enterprise Act 2002 (2A) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), for the purposes of any investigation by the Commission under section 162 of this Act 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 sub-paragraph (1), 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) shall, in its application by virtue of sub-paragraph (1), have effect as if for sub-paragraph (ii) there were substituted— (“) if earlier, the day on which the report of the Commission on the investigation concerned is made or, if the Commission decides not to make a report, the day on which the Commission makes the statement required by section 162(3) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. ” (4) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to functions of the Commission in connection with an investigation under section 162 of this Act 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 sub-paragraph (1) or (4) above, have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those sub-paragraphs. (6) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those sub-paragraphs. Section 162: modification of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998 (2B) For the purposes of its application in relation to the function of the Commission of deciding in accordance with section 162(2) of this Act not to make a report, paragraph 15(7) of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998 (power of the Chairman to act on his own while a group is being constituted) has effect as if, after paragraph (a), there were inserted “; or (aa) in the case of an investigation under section 162 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, decide not to make a report in accordance with subsection (2) of that section (decision not to make a report where no useful purpose would be served). ” Reports under section 162: further provision (2C) (1) For the purposes of section 163 of this Act, 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 investigation concerned in pursuance of paragraph 15 of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998. (2) If a member of a group so constituted disagrees with any conclusions contained in a report made under section 162 of this Act 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. (3) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any report made by the Commission under section 162.

;

(21) In Schedule 16 (prohibitions and restrictions imposed by Director General of Fair Trading)—

(a) in the heading, for “DIRECTOR GENERAL OF FAIR TRADING” there is substituted “ OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING ”;

(b) for “Director” (in each place), “his” (in each place), “he” (in both places) and “him” (in both places) there is substituted “ OFT ”, “ its ”, “ the OFT ” and “ the OFT ” respectively.

Terrorism Act 2000 (c. 11)

41

(1) The Terrorism Act 2000 is amended as follows.

(2) In Schedule 3A (regulated sector and supervisory authorities), in paragraph 4(1), for paragraph (d) there is substituted—

(d) the Office of Fair Trading;

Postal Services Act 2000 (c. 26)

42

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

Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27)

43

(1) The Utilities Act 2000 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 5(9) (annual and other reports of the Authority), for “Section 125(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 (annual and other reports)” there is substituted “ Paragraph 12A(1) of Schedule 7 to the Competition Act 1998 (annual reports of the Competition Commission) ”.

(3) In section 105 (general restrictions on disclosure of information)—

(a) in subsection (5), for paragraph (c) there is substituted—

(c) the Office of Fair Trading;

;

(b) in subsection (6), after paragraph (r) there is inserted—

(s) 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) ”.

Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

44

(1) The Transport Act 2000 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 12 (licence modification references to Commission), subsections (9), (10) and (11) shall cease to have effect.

(3) After section 12 there is inserted—

(12A) (1) Every reference under section 12 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 shall not have effect (and no action shall be taken in relation to it under section 14) 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 CAA under subsection (3). (3) The CAA 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) in relation to the same reference. (5) The CAA shall, in the case of an extension made by it under subsection (3)— (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) to the licence holder and the Secretary of State. (12B) (1) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (2) and (3), for the purposes of references under section 12 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), 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), 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 12 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), 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.

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

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

(1A) For the purposes of sections 14 to 17, 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 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 (2) there is substituted—

(2) 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. (2A) In making any report on a reference under section 12 the Competition Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (2B) 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. (2C) 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. (2D) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (2C)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the report.

(5) For section 18 (provisions supplementary to exercise by Commission of functions under sections 15 and 16) there is substituted—

(18) (1) For the purposes of the law relating to defamation, absolute privilege attaches to any notice under section 15(4) or 16(4) or (6). (2) In publishing or serving any notice under section 15(4) or 16(4) or (6), the Competition Commission must have regard to the following considerations before disclosing any information. (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) The third consideration is the extent to which the disclosure of the information mentioned in subsection (4)(a) or (b) is necessary for the purposes of the notice. (6) The following sections of Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002 shall apply, with the modifications mentioned in subsections (7) and (8), for the purposes of any investigation by the Competition Commission for the purposes of the exercise of its functions under section 15 or 16, 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). (7) Section 110 shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (6), 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 16(6) of the Transport Act 2000 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction has been given by the Commission under section 15(2) 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. (8) Section 111(5)(b) shall, in its application by virtue of subsection (6), 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 16(6) of the Transport Act 2000 in connection with the reference concerned or, if no direction is given by the Commission under section 15(2) 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. ” (9) Section 117 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (false or misleading information) shall apply in relation to functions of the Competition Commission in connection with the exercise of its functions under section 15 or 16 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. (10) 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 (6) or (9), have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections. (11) Accordingly, corresponding provisions of this Act shall not have effect in relation to those sections as applied by virtue of those subsections.

(6) In section 85 (interpretation of Chapter 5), in subsection (1), for paragraph (c) there is substituted—

(c) the OFT is the Office of Fair Trading.

(7) In section 86 (functions exercisable by CAA and the Director)—

(a) in subsections (1), (4) and (7), for “the Director” there is substituted “ the OFT ”;

(b) in subsection (3), for “the Director’s” there is substituted “ the OFT’s ”.

(8) In section 89 (carrying out functions)—

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

(b) in subsection (2), for “he or it” there is substituted “ it ”.

(9) In section 90 (publication of information and advice)—

(a) in subsection (6), for “The Director must consult the CAA before publishing under section 124 of the 1973 Act” there is substituted “ The Office of Fair Trading must consult the CAA before publishing under section 6 of the Enterprise Act 2002 ”;

(b) subsection (8) shall cease to have effect.

(10) In section 91 (review and information)—

(a) in subsections (3) and (4), for “the Director” (in each place) there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”;

(b) subsection (5) shall cease to have effect.

(11) In Schedule 9 (air traffic: information)—

(a) in paragraph 3—

(i) in sub-paragraph (2), for paragraph (b) there is substituted—

(b) the Office of Fair Trading;

;

(ii) in sub-paragraph (3), after paragraph (r) there is inserted—

(ra) the Enterprise Act 2002;

(b) in paragraph 5, in sub-paragraph (3), for “Director General of Fair Trading” there is substituted “ the Office of Fair Trading ”.

(12) In Schedule 10 (competition test for exercise of bus functions)—

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

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

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(e) in paragraph 5, for “he” there is substituted “ it ”;

(f) in paragraph 6(1), for “him” (in each place) and “he” there is substituted “ it ” and “ the OFT ” respectively;

(g) in paragraph 9, for “he” there is substituted “ the OFT ”;

(h) in paragraph 10, for “he” and “his” (in both places) there is substituted “ the OFT ” and “ its ” respectively;

(i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(j) in paragraph 12(1), for “he” (in both places) there is substituted “ the OFT ”;

(k) in paragraphs 13 to 15, for “his” (in each place) there is substituted “ its ”;

(l) in paragraph 16, for “him” and “his” there is substituted “ the OFT ” and “ its ” respectively.

SCHEDULE 26

The Competition Appeal Tribunal

Amendment of 1998 Act relating to the Tribunal

Turnover test

Restrictions on action where public interest considerations not finalised

Intervention by the Secretary of State

...

34A Duty of OFT where case referred by the European Commission

34B Power to request information in referred cases

Other powers under this Part

General advisory functions of OFCOM

44A

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has given an intervention notice in relation to a relevant merger situation; and

(b) the intervention notice mentions any media public interest consideration.

(2) OFCOM shall, within such period as the Secretary of State may require, give a report to the Secretary of State on the effect of the consideration or considerations concerned on the case.

(3) The report shall contain—

(a) advice and recommendations on any media public interest consideration mentioned in the intervention notice concerned and which is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 45; and

(b) a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by OFCOM and which relate to any such consideration.

(4) OFCOM shall carry out such investigations as they consider appropriate for the purposes of producing a report under this section.

...

46A Cases referred by the European Commission where intervention notice is in force

46B Extension of preliminary assessment period

46C Power to request information in referred cases

58A

(1) For the purposes of this Part an enterprise is a media enterprise if it consists in or involves broadcasting or is a newspaper enterprise.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) In this Part “newspaper enterprise” means an enterprise consisting in or involving the supply of newspapers.

(4) Wherever in a merger situation two media enterprises serving the same audience cease to be distinct, the number of such enterprises serving that audience shall be assumed to be more immediately before they cease to be distinct than it is afterwards.

(5) For the purposes of section 58, where two or more media enterprises—

(a) would fall to be treated as under common ownership or common control for the purposes of section 26, or

(b) are otherwise in the same ownership or under the same control,

they shall be treated (subject to subsection (4)) as all under the control of only one person.

(6) A reference in section 58 or this section to an audience shall be construed in relation to a media enterprise in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as a reference to any one of the audiences served by that enterprise, taking them separately;

(b) as a reference to all the audiences served by that enterprise, taking them together;

(c) as a reference to a number of those audiences taken together in such group as the decision-making authority considers appropriate; or

(d) as a reference to a part of anything that could be taken to be an audience under any of paragraphs (a) to (c) above.

(7) The criteria for deciding who can be treated for the purposes of this section as comprised in an audience, or as comprised in an audience served by a particular service—

(a) shall be such as the decision-making authority considers appropriate in the circumstances of the case; and

(b) may allow for persons to be treated as members of an audience if they are only potentially members of it.

(8) In this section “audience” includes readership.

(9) The power under subsection (3) of section 58 to modify that section includes power to modify this section.

Decision of Secretary of State in public interest cases

Fees

59A

(1) For the purpose of deciding whether the proportion of one-quarter mentioned in section 59(3C) or (3D) is fulfilled with respect to—

(a) newspapers of any description, or

(b) broadcasting of any description,

the decision-making authority shall apply such criterion (whether value, cost, price, quantity, capacity, number of workers employed or some other criterion, of whatever nature), or such combination of criteria, as the decision-making authority considers appropriate.

(2) References in section 59(3C) to the supply of newspapers shall, in relation to newspapers of any description which are the subject of different forms of supply, be construed in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as references to any of those forms of supply taken separately;

(b) as references to all those forms of supply taken together; or

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) the decision-making authority may treat newspapers as being the subject of different forms of supply whenever—

(a) the transactions concerned differ as to their nature, their parties, their terms or their surrounding circumstances; and

(b) the difference is one which, in the opinion of the decision-making authority, ought for the purposes of that subsection to be treated as a material difference.

(4) References in section 59(3D) to the provision of broadcasting shall, in relation to broadcasting of any description which is the subject of different forms of provision, be construed in whichever of the following ways the decision-making authority considers appropriate—

(a) as references to any of those forms of provision taken separately;

(b) as references to all those forms of provision taken together; or

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) the decision-making authority may treat broadcasting as being the subject of different forms of provision whenever—

(a) the transactions concerned differ as to their nature, their parties, their terms or their surrounding circumstances; and

(b) the difference is one which, in the opinion of the decision-making authority, ought for the purposes of that subsection to be treated as a material difference.

(6) The criteria for deciding when newspapers or broadcasting can be treated, for the purposes of section 59, as newspapers or broadcasting of a separate description shall be such as in any particular case the decision-making authority considers appropriate in the circumstances of that case.

(7) In section 59 and this section “provision” and cognate expressions have the same meaning in relation to broadcasting as in Part 3 of the Communications Act 2003; but this subsection is subject to subsections (4) and (5) of this section.

61A

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) the Secretary of State has given a special intervention notice in relation to a special merger situation; and

(b) the special intervention notice mentions any consideration which, at the time of the giving of the notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) OFCOM shall, within such period as the Secretary of State may require, give a report to the Secretary of State on the effect of the consideration or considerations concerned on the case.

(3) The report shall contain—

(a) advice and recommendations on any consideration which—

(i) is mentioned in the special intervention notice concerned and, at the time of the giving of that notice, was specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); and

(ii) is or may be relevant to the Secretary of State’s decision as to whether to make a reference under section 62; and

(b) a summary of any representations about the case which have been received by OFCOM and which relate to any such consideration.

(4) OFCOM shall carry out such investigations as they consider appropriate for the purposes of producing a report under this section.

Service of documents

Initial enforcement orders: completed mergers

Initial undertakings: completed mergers

Annual plan

104A

(1) Subsection (2) applies where the CMA—

(a) is preparing—

(i) a report under section 50 on a reference which specifies a media public interest consideration; or

(ii) a report under section 65 on a reference which specifies a consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C); and

(b) is not under a duty to disregard the consideration concerned.

(2) The CMA shall have regard (among other things) to the need to consult the public so far as they might be affected by the creation of the relevant merger situation or special merger situation concerned and so far as such consultation is practicable.

(3) Any consultation of the kind mentioned in subsection (2) may be undertaken by the CMA by consulting such representative sample of the public or section of the public concerned as the CMA considers appropriate.

106A

(1) The Secretary of State may prepare and publish general advice and information about the considerations specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) The Secretary of State may at any time publish revised, or new, advice or information.

(3) Advice or information published under this section shall be prepared with a view to—

(a) explaining the considerations specified in section 58(2A) to (2C) to persons who are likely to be affected by them; and

(b) indicating how the Secretary of State expects this Part to operate in relation to such considerations.

(4) Any advice or information published by the Secretary of State under this section shall be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.

(5) In preparing any advice or information under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult the CMA, OFCOM and such other persons as he considers appropriate.

106B

(1) OFCOM may, in connection with any case on which they are required to give a report by virtue of section 44A or 61A, give such advice as they consider appropriate to the Secretary of State in relation to—

(a) any report made in such a case by the CMA under section 50 or 65; and

(b) the taking by the Secretary of State of enforcement action under Schedule 7.

(2) OFCOM may, if requested to do so by the Secretary of State, give such other advice as they consider appropriate to the Secretary of State in connection with any case on which they are required to give a report by virtue of section 44A or 61A.

(3) OFCOM shall publish any advice given by them under this section but advice given by them in relation to a report of the CMA under section 50 or 65 or related enforcement action shall not be published before the report itself is published.

Power of CMA to make references

Penalties: main procedural requirements

Further provision about media mergers

119A

(1) OFCOM have the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters relating to the carrying out of their functions under this Part.

(2) That function is to be carried out with a view to (among other things) ensuring that OFCOM have sufficient information to take informed decisions and to carry out their other functions effectively.

(3) In carrying out that function OFCOM may carry out, commission or support (financially or otherwise) research.

(4) Section 3 of the Communications Act 2003 (general duties of OFCOM) shall not apply in relation to functions of OFCOM under this Part.

119B

(1) The CMA has the function of obtaining, compiling and keeping under review information about matters which may be relevant to the Secretary of State in deciding whether to give a special intervention notice mentioning a consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

(2) That function is to be carried out with a view to (among other things) ensuring that the Secretary of State is aware of cases where, in the opinion of the CMA, he might wish to consider giving such a notice.

(3) That function does not extend to obtaining, compiling or keeping under review information with a view to carrying out a detailed analysis in each case of the operation in relation to that case of the consideration specified in section 58(2A) to (2C).

Service of documents

Minority reports of Commission: Part 4

Unfair commercial practices: substantiation of claims

Online interface orders

Criminal proceedings

Overseas disclosures for designated cooperation arrangement purposes

Replacement of Part II of Insolvency Act 1986

Overseas disclosures for overseas purposes only

Applications

Power to modify Schedule 8

Online interface orders

Application of insolvency law to foreign company

Repeal of certain bankruptcy offences

Prohibition of appointment of administrative receiver

Unsecured creditors

Prohibition of appointment of administrative receiver

227A

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

227B

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

227C

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

227D

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

227E

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

227F

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

Interpretation

235A

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

235B

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

Unsecured creditors

241A

(1) A public authority which holds prescribed information to which section 237 applies may disclose that information to any person—

(a) for the purposes of, or in connection with, prescribed civil proceedings (including prospective proceedings) in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, or

(b) for the purposes of obtaining legal advice in relation to such proceedings, or

(c) otherwise for the purposes of establishing, enforcing or defending legal rights that are or may be the subject of such proceedings.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to—

(a) information which comes to a public authority in connection with an investigation under Part 4, 5 or 6 of the 1973 Act or under section 11 of the Competition Act 1980;

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

(c) information which comes to a public authority in connection with an investigation under Part 3 or 4 or section 174 of this Act;

(d) information which comes to a public authority in connection with an investigation under the Competition Act 1998 (c. 41).

(3) In subsection (1) “prescribed” means prescribed by order of the Secretary of State.

(4) An order under this section—

(a) may prescribe information, or civil proceedings, for the purposes of this section by reference to such factors as appear to the Secretary of State to be appropriate;

(b) may prescribe for the purposes of this section all information, or civil proceedings, or all information or civil proceedings not falling within one or more specified exceptions;

(c) must be made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5) Information disclosed under this section must not be used by the person to whom it is disclosed for any purpose other than those specified in subsection (1).

Powers of trustee in bankruptcy

Application of insolvency law to foreign company

Repeal of certain bankruptcy offences

Prohibition of appointment of administrative receiver

Abolition of Crown preference

Minor and consequential amendments

Disqualification from office: local government

Disqualification from office: general

Fees

Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)

Airports (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/426 (N.I. 1))

Introductory

Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)

Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12)

Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56)

Airports (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/426 (N.I. 1))

Telecommunications Act 1984 (c. 12)

Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)

Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)

20A

(1) This paragraph applies in relation to any order—

(a) which is to be made following the giving of—

(i) an intervention notice which mentions a news media public interest consideration;

(ii) an intervention notice which mentions any other media public interest consideration in relation to a relevant merger situation in which one of the enterprises ceasing to be distinct is a news media enterprise;

(iii) a special intervention notice which mentions a consideration specified in section 58(2A) or (2B); or

(iv) a special intervention notice which, in relation to a special merger situation in which one of the enterprises ceasing to be distinct is a news media enterprise, mentions a consideration specified in section 58(2C); and

(b) to which the consideration concerned is still relevant.

(1A) This paragraph also applies in relation to an order under section 70C(2) (order to prevent foreign control of a newspaper enterprise).

(2) The order may make such provision as the person making the order considers to be appropriate in all circumstances of the case.

(3) Such provision may, in particular, include provision requiring a person to do, or not to do, particular things.

(4) Provision made by virtue of this paragraph may, in particular, include provision—

(a) altering the constitution of a body corporate (whether in connection with the appointment of directors, the establishment of an editorial board or otherwise);

(b) requiring the agreement of the relevant authority or another person before the taking of particular action (including the appointment or dismissal of an editor, journalists or directors or acting as a shadow director);

(d) prohibiting consultation or co-operation between subsidiaries.

(5) In this paragraph “news media public interest consideration” means a media public interest consideration other than one which is such a consideration—

(a) by virtue of section 58(2C); or

(b) by virtue of having been, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, concerned with broadcasting (other than the broadcasting of news programmes) and a consideration that ought to have been specified in section 58.

(5A) In this paragraph, “news media enterprise” means—

(a) a newspaper enterprise; or

(b) an enterprise consisting in or involving the broadcasting of news programmes.

(6) This paragraph is without prejudice to the operation of the other paragraphs of this Schedule in relation to the order concerned.

Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1))

Railways Act 1993 (c. 43)

Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2))

Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

Termination of undertakings and orders

Railways Act 1993 (c. 43)

Electricity Act 1989 (c. 29)

Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1))

Termination of undertakings and orders

Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2))

Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45)

Requirements for accepting undertakings and making orders

7A

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

7B

Directive 98/6/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 on consumer protection in the indication of the prices of products offered to consumers .

9A

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

9B

Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights .

Joint interests

Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 (c. 46)

General

Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 (c. 47)

Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11)

Shares or rights held “indirectly”

Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 (c. 47)

Constitution of Tribunal for particular proceedings and its decisions

Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 (c. 47)

Monopoly references

Public Records Act 1958 (c. 51)

Monopoly references

Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2))

Restrictive Practices Court Act 1976 (c. 33)

Competition Act 1980 (c. 21)

Companies Act 1989 (c. 40)

Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16)

Employment Rights Act 1996 (c. 18)

Consumer Protection Act 1987 (c. 43)

Agricultural Marketing Act 1958 (c. 47)

Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)

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

Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56)

Water Act 1989 (c. 15)

Broadcasting Act 1990 (c. 42)

Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/275 (N.I. 2))

Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41)

Relevant merger situations

Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56)

Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (c. 53)

Electricity (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 (S.I. 1992/231 (N.I. 1))

Osteopaths Act 1993 (c. 21)

Railways Act 1993 (c. 43)

Chiropractors Act 1994 (c. 17)

Coal Industry Act 1994 (c. 21)

Airports (Northern Ireland) Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/426 (N.I. 1))

Channel Tunnel Rail Link Act 1996 (c. 61)

Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29)

Data Protection Act 1998 (c. 29)

Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (c. 53)

Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

Postal Services Act 2000 (c. 26)

Utilities Act 2000 (c. 27)

Transport Act 2000 (c. 38)

Editorial notes

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 144(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 144(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 para. 5 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 144(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 144(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(2)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 144(2) (as substituted by 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(2)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 238(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(4)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 238(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(4)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 para. 5 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 238(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(4)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 238(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40) ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(4)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, s. 238(2) (as substituted by 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(4)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, Sch. 2A para. 17(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(5)(a)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, Sch. 2A(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(5)(a)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1) and Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, Sch. 2A para. 17(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 278, Sch. 25 para. 18(5)(a)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, Sch. 2A para. 17(2) (as substituted by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. 18(5)(a)); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Ss. 75(4)(a), 83(4)(a), 84(2)(a), 89(1), 160(4)(a), 161(3)(a), 164(1), Sch. 7 paras. 5, 10, 11 modified (20.6.2003) by 1988 c. 48, Sch. 2A para. 17(2) (as substituted by 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, {Sch. 25 para. 18(5)(a)}); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

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