44(1)Amend section 98 (timetable for examining, and reporting on, application) as follows.
(2)In subsection (3) (deadline for making report to Secretary of State) for the words from the beginning to “its report” substitute “The Examining authority is under a duty to make its report under section 74(2)(b) or 83(1)(b)”.
(3)In subsection (4) (Commission chair may extend deadlines under the section) for “person appointed to chair the Commission” substitute “Secretary of State”.
(4)For subsection (6) (extensions of deadlines to be reported to Secretary of State and in Commission’s annual report) substitute—
“(6)Subsections (7) and (8) apply where the power under subsection (4) is exercised.
(7)The Secretary of State must—
(a)notify each interested party of the new deadline, and
(b)publicise the new deadline in such manner as the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.
(8)The Secretary of State exercising the power must make a statement, to the House of Parliament of which that Secretary of State is a member, announcing the new deadline.
(9)A statement under subsection (8) may be written or oral.”