PART 9CO-OPERATION AND JOINT WORKING BY THE REGULATORY BODIES ETC.
178Co-operation in the exercise of functions
(1)
The regulatory bodies must co-operate with each other in the exercise of their relevant functions if they think that such co-operation—
(a)
will have a positive effect on the manner in which those functions are exercised, or
(b)
will assist them in achieving their general objectives.
(2)
A regulatory body must, in the exercise of its relevant functions, seek to co-operate with a relevant authority if the regulatory body thinks such co-operation—
(a)
will have a positive effect on the manner in which the body exercises its functions, or
(b)
will assist the body in achieving its general objectives.
(3)
Where a regulatory body requests the co-operation of a relevant authority under subsection (2) the authority must comply with the request unless the authority—
(a)
is prevented from co-operating in the manner requested by any enactment or other rule of law,
(b)
thinks that such co-operation would otherwise be incompatible with its own functions, or
(c)
thinks that such co-operation would have an adverse effect on its functions.
(4)
If a relevant authority requests the co-operation of a regulatory body, the body must comply with that request unless the body—
(a)
is prevented from co-operating in the manner requested by any enactment (including this Act) or other rule of law,
(b)
thinks that such co-operation would otherwise be incompatible with the regulatory body's own functions, or
(c)
thinks that such co-operation would have an adverse effect—
(i)
on the body's functions, or
(ii)
on achieving the body's general objectives.