[F12CConsultation and parliamentary procedureU.K.
(1)This section sets out the requirements that must be satisfied in relation to a statement before the Secretary of State may designate it under section 2A.
(2)The Secretary of State must consult the following on a draft of the statement—
(a)OFCOM, and
(b)such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(3)The Secretary of State must allow OFCOM a period of at least 40 days to respond to any consultation under subsection (2)(a).
(4)After that period has ended the Secretary of State—
(a)must make any changes to the draft that appear to the Secretary of State to be necessary in view of responses to the consultation, and
(b)must then lay the draft before Parliament.
(5)The Secretary of State must then wait until the end of the 40-day period and may not designate the statement if, within that period, either House of Parliament resolves not to approve it.
(6)“The 40-day period” is the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before Parliament (or, if it is not laid before each House on the same day, the later of the days on which it is laid).
(7)When calculating the 40-day period, ignore any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than 4 days.]
Textual Amendments
F1Ss. 2A-2C and cross-heading inserted (31.7.2017) by Digital Economy Act 2017 (c. 30), ss. 98(1), 118(6); S.I. 2017/765, reg. 2(aa)