18The statutory duty
(1)Where any person is called upon to exercise any functions which are conferred by this Part with respect to—
(a)the granting of rights of audience;
(b)the granting of rights to conduct litigation;
(c)the approval of qualification regulations or rules of conduct; or
(d)the giving of advice with respect to any matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c),
it shall be the duty of that person to exercise those functions as soon as is reasonably practicable and consistent with the provisions of this Part.
(2)A person exercising any such functions shall act in accordance with the general principle and, subject to that, shall—
(a)so far as it is possible to do so in the circumstances of the case, act to further the statutory objective; and
(b)not act in any way which would be incompatible with the statutory objective.