Consent required for direct lines
10.—(1) After Article 40(2) there shall be inserted the following paragraphs—
“(2A) The Department shall only grant a consent under paragraph (1) in relation to a direct line (within the meaning of the Directive) where it is satisfied that it will meet the published criteria.
(2B) Where the Department refuses to grant to any person a consent under paragraph (1), it shall by notice in writing—
(a)inform him of the fact;
(b)give him the reasons for that refusal; and
(c)inform him of his right to challenge the refusal.”.
(2) After Article 40(5) there shall be added the following paragraph—
“(6) In this Article, “published criteria” means the criteria determined by the Department from time to time in accordance with and for the purposes of Article 22(2) of the Directive and published by it.”.