Paragraph 5

Except in a case where an application has been referred to the Department under paragraph 3 and subject to sub-paragraph (3), the enforcing authority shall determine an application for an authorisation within the period of 6 months beginning with the day on which it received the application or within such longer period as may be agreed with the applicant.

If the enforcing authority fails to determine an application for an authorisation within the period allowed by or under this paragraph the application shall, if the applicant notifies the authority in writing that he treats the failure as such, be deemed to have been refused at the end of that period.

The Department may, by order, substitute for the period for the time being specified in sub-paragraph (1) such other period as it thinks fit.