Introductory text

Whereas the Office of Fair Trading (“the OFT”) has, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it by sections 51(1) and 75A(1) of and Schedule 9 to the Competition Act 1998 (“the Act”)^f1, made rules about procedural and other matters in connection with the carrying into effect of the provisions of Parts 1, 2 and 2A of the Act (“the Rules”);

And whereas the OFT has, in accordance with sections 51(3) and 75A(2) of the Act, consulted such persons as it considered appropriate in preparing the Rules;

And whereas the OFT has, in accordance with section 51(4) of the Act, also consulted the regulators mentioned in section 54(1) of the Act (“the regulators”) in preparing the Rules insofar as they relate to matters in respect of which the regulators exercise concurrent jurisdiction;

And whereas following its consultation the OFT has, in accordance with sections 51(5) and 75A(3) of the Act, submitted the Rules to the Secretary of State for approval;