51.—(1) A notified body may subcontract specific conformity assessment activities, or use a subsidiary to carry out such activities provided—
(a)the body is satisfied that the subcontractor or subsidiary meets the notified body requirements;
(b)the body has informed the Secretary of State that it is satisfied that the subcontractor or subsidiary meets those requirements; and
(c)the economic operator for whom the activities are to be carried out has consented to the activities being carried out by that person.
(2) The notified body which subcontracts specific conformity assessment activities or uses a subsidiary to carry out such activities remains responsible for the proper performance of those activities (irrespective of where the subcontractor or subsidiary is established).
(3) Where a notified body subcontracts, or uses a subsidiary to carry out, a specific conformity assessment activity, the notified body must, for a period of at least 10 years beginning on the day on which the activity is first carried out, keep available for inspection by the Secretary of State all the relevant documentation concerning—
(a)the assessment of the qualifications of the subcontractor or the subsidiary; and
(b)the conformity assessment activities carried out by the subcontractor or subsidiary.