(1)A request for authorisation under section 10 may be—
(a)made at any reasonable time (including at the same time as applying for approval under section 7),
(b)withdrawn by the approved regulator (or applicant) at any time by giving the Scottish Ministers written notice to that effect.
(2)The Scottish Ministers must, with reasons, notify the approved regulator (or applicant) if they intend to—
(a)withhold their authorisation, or
(b)impose conditions under section 10(4)(b).
(3)If notification is given to the approved regulator (or applicant) under subsection (2), it has 28 days beginning with the date of the notification (or such longer period as the Scottish Ministers may allow) to—
(a)make representations to the Scottish Ministers,
(b)take such steps as it may consider expedient.
(4)The approved regulator (or applicant) must provide the Scottish Ministers with such information as they may reasonably require for their consideration of its request for their authorisation.
(5)In section 10 and this section, a reference to authorisation means initial or renewed authorisation.