Competition Act 1998

Discharge of certain functions by groupsU.K.

15(1)Except where sub-paragraph (7) [F1or (8)] gives the Chairman power to act on his own, any general function of the Commission must be performed through a group selected for the purpose by the Chairman.U.K.

(2)The group must consist of at least three persons one of whom may be the Chairman.

(3)In selecting the members of the group, the Chairman must comply with any requirement as to its constitution imposed by any enactment applying to specialist panel members.

(4)If the functions to be performed through the group relate to a newspaper merger reference, the group must, subject to sub-paragraph (5), consist of such reporting panel members as the Chairman may select.

[F2(5)The Chairman must select one or more newspaper panel members to be members of the group dealing with functions relating to a newspaper merger reference and, if he selects at least three such members, the group may consist entirely of those members.]

(6)Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (5), a group must consist of reporting panel members or specialist panel members selected by the Chairman.

(7)While a group is being constituted to perform a particular general function of the Commission, the Chairman may—

(a)take such steps (falling within that general function) as he considers appropriate to facilitate the work of the group when it has been constituted; or

F3(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F4(8)The Chairman may exercise the power conferred by section 37(1), 48(1) or 64(1) of the Enterprise Act 2002 while a group is being constituted to perform a relevant general function of the Commission or, when it has been so constituted, before it has held its first meeting.]

Textual Amendments

F1Words in Sch. 7 para. 15(1) inserted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 11 para. 10(2); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

F2Sch. 7 para. 15(5) substituted (1.4.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 11 para. 10(3); S.I. 2003/766, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3) (as amended (20.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1846, reg. 3(2), Sch.)

F3Sch. 7 para. 15(7)(b) repealed (20.6.2003 for specified purposes, 29.12.2004 in so far as not already in force) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 11 para. 10(4), Sch. 26; S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with arts. 3(1), 8); S.I. 2004/3233, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3-5)

F4Sch. 7 para. 15(8) inserted (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 11 para. 10(5); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Sch. 7 para. 15(7) modified (20.6.2003) by Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40), s. 279, Sch. 25 para. 40(20)(b); S.I. 2003/1397, art. 2(1), Sch. (with art. 8)