Part 7Investigatory powers etc
Investigations into relevant infringements
68Investigations
(1)
The IFR may conduct an investigation where it has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has committed a relevant infringement.
(2)
Schedule 8 sets out the powers available to the IFR where it decides to conduct an investigation.
(3)
Where the IFR decides to conduct an investigation it must, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the decision, give a notice (an “investigation notice”) to the person it has reasonable grounds for suspecting to have committed a relevant infringement.
(4)
An investigation notice is a notice—
(a)
stating that the IFR has decided to conduct an investigation;
(b)
indicating the relevant infringement the IFR has reasonable grounds for suspecting to have been committed;
(c)
explaining the matter being investigated.
(5)
The IFR may delay giving an investigation notice if it considers that giving the notice would prejudice the investigation.
(6)
Where the IFR delays giving an investigation notice in accordance with subsection (5), it must give the investigation notice to the person concerned as soon as reasonably practicable after the IFR no longer considers that giving the notice would prejudice the investigation.