(1)The CAA must, so far as it appears to it practicable to do so—
(a)keep under review the provision of airport operation services in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, and
(b)collect information about the provision of such services in the United Kingdom and elsewhere,
with a view to facilitating the carrying out of its functions under this Chapter.
(2)The CAA must provide information, advice and assistance to the Secretary of State and the Office of Fair Trading (“the OFT”) regarding any matter in respect of which the CAA has a function under this Chapter if—
(a)it thinks it expedient to do so, or
(b)it is asked by the Secretary of State or the OFT to do so.
(3)Subsection (2)(b) applies only so far as it appears to the CAA practicable for the CAA to provide the information, advice or assistance requested.
(4)The CAA may—
(a)prepare reports relating to competition in markets for airport operation services, and
(b)arrange for such reports to be published.
(5)The CAA may exclude from publication under subsection (4)(b) any information which it is satisfied is—
(a)commercial information, the disclosure of which would, or might in the CAA’s opinion, significantly harm the legitimate business interests of an undertaking to which it relates, or
(b)information relating to the private affairs of an individual, the disclosure of which would, or might in the CAA’s opinion, significantly harm the individual’s interests.
(6)For the purposes of carrying out its functions under this section the CAA may carry out, commission or provide financial or other support for research.