5(1)Section 39 (time-limits for investigations and reports) is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (5) for “subsection (4)” substitute “this section”.
(3)After subsection (8) insert—
“(8A)In the case of a report on a reference under section 33, the CMA may provide that a specified period of no more than 3 weeks is to be disregarded for the purposes of any time-limit for the preparation and publication of the report which applies by virtue of this section if—
(a)a relevant person has so requested before the end of the period of 3 weeks beginning with the date of the reference concerned; and
(b)the CMA reasonably believes that the arrangements in question might be abandoned.
(8B)If the CMA exercises the power under subsection (8A), the CMA shall publish a notice to that effect.”