Water Industry Act 1991

31 Functions of Director with respect to competition. E+W

(1) F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F2 (2) The functions to which subsection (2A) below applies shall be concurrent functions of the Director and the [F3 CMA].

(2A) This subsection applies to the functions of the [F4 CMA] under Part 4 of the 2002 Act (other than sections 166 [F5 171 and 174E]) so far as [F6 those functions—

(a) are exercisable by the CMA Board (within the meaning of Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013), and

(b) relate to] commercial activities connected with the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services.]

[F7 (3) The Director shall be entitled to exercise, concurrently with the [F8 CMA], the functions of the [F8 CMA] under the provisions of Part 1 of the Competition Act 1998 (other than sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6) [F9 , 40B(1) to (4)] and 51), so far as relating to —

(a) agreements, decisions or concerted practices of the kind mentioned in section 2(1) of that Act,

(b) conduct of the kind mentioned in section 18(1) of that Act, [F10 or]

[F11 (c) transferred EU anti-trust commitments or transferred EU anti-trust directions (as defined in section 40ZA of that Act),]

which relate to commercial activities connected with the supply of water or securing a supply of water or with the provision or securing of sewerage services.]

[F12 (4) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, subsections (2) and (2A) [F13 above—

(a) references] in Part 4 of the 2002 Act to the [F14 CMA] (including references in provisions of that Act applied by that Part) shall be construed as including references to the Director (except in sections 166 [F15 , 171 and 174E] of that Act and in any other provision of that Act where the context otherwise [F16 requires);

(b) references in that Part to section 5 of the 2002 Act are to be construed as including references to section 27(1) and (2) of this Act.]

[F17 (4ZA) Section 130A of the 2002 Act is to have effect in its application in relation to the Authority] by virtue of subsections (2) and (2A)—

(a) as if for subsection (1) of that section there were substituted—

“(1) Where the Water Services Regulation Authority—

(a) is proposing to carry out its functions under section 27(1) and (2) of the Water Industry Act 1991 in relation to a matter for the purposes mentioned in subsection (2), and

(b) considers that the matter is one in respect of which it would be appropriate for the Authority to exercise its powers under section 174 (investigation) in connection with deciding whether to make a reference under section 131,

the Authority must publish a notice under this section (referred to in this Part as a “market study notice”).”, and

(b) as if in subsection (2)(a) of that section, for “the acquisition or supply of goods or services of one or more than one description in the United Kingdom” there were substituted “commercial activities connected with the supply of water or the provision of sewerage services (within the meaning given by section 219(1) of the Water Industry Act 1991)”.]

F18 [(4A) So far as necessary for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provisions of subsection (3) above, references in Part I of the Competition Act 1998 to [F19 the CMA] are to be read as including a reference to the Director ([F20 except in sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6)] [F9 , 40B(1) to (4)], 51, 52(6) and (8) and 54 of that Act and in any other provision of that Act where the context otherwise requires).]

[F21 (5) Before the [F22 CMA] or the Director first exercises in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of subsection (2) above, that person shall consult the other.

(6) Neither the [F22 CMA] nor the Director shall exercise in relation to any matter functions which are exercisable concurrently by virtue of subsection (2) above if functions which are so exercisable have been exercised in relation to that matter by the other.]

(7) It shall be the duty of the Director, for the purpose of assisting [F23 a CMA group] in carrying out an investigation on a [F24 market investigation reference made by the Authority (under section 131 of the 2002 Act)] by virtue of subsection (2) F25 . . . above, to give to the [F26 group] —

(a) any information which is in his possession and which relates to matters falling within the scope of the investigation, and which is either requested by the [F26 group] for that purpose or is information which in his opinion it would be appropriate for that purpose to give to the [F26 group] without any such request; and

(b) any other assistance which the [F26 group] may require, and which it is within his power to give, in relation to any such matters;

and the [F26 group] shall, for the purposes of carrying out any such investigation, take into account any information given to them for that purpose under this subsection.

[F27 (7A) In subsection (7) “CMA group” has the same meaning as in Schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.]

(8) If any question arises as to whether subsection (2) or (3) above F28 . . . applies to any particular case, that question shall be referred to and determined by the Secretary of State; and no objection shall be taken to anything done under—

(a) [F29 Part 4 of the 2002 Act]; or

F30 [(b) Part I of the Competition Act 1998 ([F31 other than sections 31D(1) to (6), 38(1) to (6)] [F32 , 40B(1) to (4)] and 51),]

by or in relation to the Director on the ground that it should have been done by or in relation to [F33 the CMA] .

[F34 (8A) Section 117 of the 2002 Act (offences of supplying false or misleading information) as applied by section 180 of that Act shall have effect so far as relating to functions exercisable by the Director by virtue of subsection (2) above as if the references in section 117(1)(a) and (2) to the [F35 CMA] included references to the Director.]

(9) F36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 31(1) ceases to have effect (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 278, 279, Sch. 25 para. (8)(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with transitional and transitory provisions in art. 3)

F2 S. 31(2)(2A) substituted (20.6.2003) for s. 31(2) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(2); S.I. 2003/ 1397, {art. 2(1)}, Sch.

F3 Word in s. 31(2) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(2) (with art. 3)

F4 Word in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(a) (with art. 3)

F5 Words in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(b) (with art. 3)

F6 Words in s. 31(2A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(3)(c) (with art. 3)

F7 S. 31(3) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para.4(2)(a)

F8 Word in s. 31(3) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(4) (with art. 3)

F9 Words in s. 31(3)(4A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 15 para. 5; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.)

F10 Word in s. 31(3)(b) inserted (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2019/93, Sch. 1 para. 4(2) (as substituted by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1343), regs. 1(1), 16)

F11 S. 31(3)(c) substituted for s. 31(3)(c)(d) by S.I. 2019/93, Sch. 1 para. 4(3) (as substituted by The Competition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1343), regs. 1(1), 16)

F12 S. 31(4) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(3); S.I. 2003/ 1397, {art. 2(1)}, Sch.

F13 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(a) (with art. 3)

F14 Word in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(b) (with art. 3)

F15 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(c) (with art. 3)

F16 Words in s. 31(4) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(5)(d) (with art. 3)

F17 S. 31(4ZA) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(6) (with art. 3)

F18 S. 31(4A) inserted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(8) (with s. 73); S.I. 1997/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F19 Words in s. 31(4A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(7) (with art. 3)

F20 Words in s. 31(4A) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(b)

F21 S. 31(5)(6) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(4); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F22 Word in s. 31(5)(6) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(8) (with art. 3)

F23 Words in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(a)(i) (with art. 3)

F24 Words in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by virtue of The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(a)(ii) (with art. 3)

F25 Words in s. 31(7) repealed (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, ss. 54(3), 74(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(11), Sch. 14 Pt. I (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F26 Word in s. 31(7) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(9)(b) (with art. 3)

F27 S. 31(7A) inserted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(10) (with art. 3)

F28 Words in s. 31(8) repealed (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(1), 178, 179, Sch. 9 para. 19(5)(a), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with savings in art. 10)

F29 Words in s. 31(8) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(5)(b); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F30 S. 31(8)(b) substituted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 5(5)(12) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

F31 Words in s. 31(8)(b) substituted (1.5.2004) by The Competition Act 1998 and Other Enactments (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/1261), reg. 5, Sch. 2 para. 4(2)(c)

F32 Words in s. 31(8)(b) inserted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 15 para. 5; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(f) (with Sch.)

F33 Words in s. 31(8) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(11) (with art. 3)

F34 S. 31(8A) substituted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(9), 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(6); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch.

F35 Word in s. 31(8A) substituted (1.4.2014) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Competition) (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/892), art. 1(1), Sch. 1 para. 84(12) (with art. 3)

F36 S. 31(9) repealed (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), ss. 168(1), 278, 279, Sch. 9 para. 19(7), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with savings in art. 10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 31(3) restricted (26.11.1998 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, s. 54(3), Sch. 10 para. 5(1) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2(1); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.

S. 31(3) amended (1.3.2000) by 1998 c. 41, ss. 54, 66(5), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 5(1) (with s. 73); S.I. 2000/344, art. 2 Sch.