Paragraph 5 I1

Section 39 (time-limits for investigations and reports) is amended as follows.

In subsection (5) for “subsection (4)” substitute “ this section ”.

After subsection (8) insert—

“(8A)

In the case of a report on a reference under section 33, the CMA may provide that a specified period of no more than 3 weeks is to be disregarded for the purposes of any time-limit for the preparation and publication of the report which applies by virtue of this section if—

(a)

a relevant person has so requested before the end of the period of 3 weeks beginning with the date of the reference concerned; and

(b)

the CMA reasonably believes that the arrangements in question might be abandoned.

(8B)

If the CMA exercises the power under subsection (8A), the CMA shall publish a notice to that effect.”