SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 2 Procedure etc.

Sections 5, 6 and 8(3).

Part I Orders and Decisions Under Sections 3, 4 and 6

Introductory

1

In this Schedule—

a

subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, references to “the person affected” are to the person in respect of whom the F1OFT proposes to make, or has made, an order under section 3 or section 4 of this Act, or who has made an application under section 6 of this Act for the variation or revocation of such an order; and

b

references to the F1OFT’s “proposal” are to any proposal of F2its to make such an order or to make a decision under subsection (4) or subsection (5) of section 6 of this Act on such an application.

2

In the case of a proposal of the F1OFT to make an order under section 3 or section 4 of this Act against a partnership where, by virtue of section 5(2) of this Act, F2it intends that the order shall have effect as an order against some or all of the partners individually, references in the following provisions of this Schedule to the person affected shall be construed, except where the contrary is provided, as references to each of the partners affected by the order, as well as to the partnership itself.

Notice of proposal

2

1

The F1OFT shall give to the person affected a notice informing him of the proposal and of the F1OFT’s reason for it; but paragraph 1(2) above shall not apply for the purposes of this sub-paragraph.

2

In the case of a proposal to make an order, the notice under sub-paragraph (1) above shall inform the person affected of the substance of the proposed order and, in the case of a proposal to make an order under section 3 of this Act, shall—

a

set out those matters falling within subsection (1) of that section which the F1OFT intends should be specified as the grounds for the order, and

b

specify any other matters of which the F1OFT has taken account under subsection (2) of that section, and

c

if the F1OFT proposes to rely on section 4(3) of this Act to establish the unfitness of the person affected, state that fact.

3

The notice given under sub-paragraph (1) above shall invite the person affected, within such period of not less than twenty-one days as may be specified in the notice—

a

to submit to the F1OFT his representations in writing as to why the order should not be made or, as the case may be, should be varied or revoked in accordance with the application, and

b

to give notice to the F1OFT , if he thinks fit, that he wishes to make such representations orally,

and where notice is given under paragraph (b) above the F1OFT shall arrange for the oral representations to be heard.

Hearing of representations

3

Where the F1OFT receives notice under paragraph 2(3)(b) above F3it shall give the person affected not less than twenty-one days’ notice, or such shorter notice as the person affected may consent to accept, of the date, time and place at which his representations are to be heard.

4

1

In the course of the hearing of oral representations the F1OFT shall, at the request of the person affected, permit any other person (in addition to the person affected) to make representations on his behalf or to give evidence or to introduce documents for him.

2

The F1OFT shall not refuse to admit evidence solely on the grounds that it would not be admissible in a court of law.

5

If the F10OFT adjourns the hearing F4it shall give the person affected reasonable notice of the date, time and place at which the hearing is to be resumed.

Decision

6

1

The F1OFT shall take into account in deciding whether to proceed with F5its proposal any written or oral representations made in accordance with the preceding provisions of this Schedule.

2

If the F1OFT considers that F5it should proceed with F5its proposal but for a reason which differs, or on grounds which differ, from those set out in the notice of the proposal under paragraph 2 above, F5it shall give a further notice under that paragraph.

3

In any case where—

a

a notice under paragraph 2 above gives more than one reason for the proposal or (in the case of a proposal to make an order under section 3 of this Act) sets out more than one matter which the F1OFT intends should be specified as the grounds for the order, and

b

it appears to the F1OFT that one or more of those reasons should be abandoned or, as the case may be, that one or more of those matters should not be so specified,

the F1OFT may nevertheless decide to proceed with F5its proposal on the basis of any other reason given in the notice or, as the case may be, on any other grounds set out in the notice.

7

If the F1OFT decides not to proceed with F6its proposal F6it shall give notice of that decision to the person affected and, in the case of a notice of a decision on an application under section 6 of this Act, such a notice shall be combined with a notice under subsection (3) of that section.

8

If the F1OFT decides to proceed with F7its proposal F7it may, if F7it thinks fit having regard to any representations made to F7it —

a

where the proposal is for the making of an order, make the order in a form which varies from that of the proposed order mentioned in the notice under paragraph 2 above, or

b

where the proposal is to vary an order, make a variation other than that mentioned in the notice under paragraph 2 above, or

c

where the proposal is to refuse to revoke an order, vary the order.

Notification of decision

9

1

Notice of the decision to make the order, and of the terms of the order or, as the case may be, notice of the decision on the application for variation or revocation of the order, shall be given to the person affected, together with the F1OFT’s reasons for F8its decision, including the facts which in F8its opinion justify the decision.

2

The notice referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above shall also inform the person affected of his right to appeal against the decision and of the period within which an appeal may be brought and of how notice of appeal may be given.

10

1

Subject to sub-paragraph (2) below, the order to which the decision relates or, as the case may be, any variation of an order for which the decision provides shall not come into operation until any appeal under section 7(1) of this Act and any further appeal has been finally determined or the period within which such an appeal may be brought has expired.

2

Where the F1OFT states in the notice referred to in paragraph 9(1) above that F9it is satisfied that there are special circumstances which require it, an order shall come into operation immediately upon the giving of notice of the decision to make it.

Part II Applications Under Sections 6(1) and 8(3)

11

Any reference in this Part of this Schedule to an application is a reference to an application to the F1OFT under section 6(1) or section 8(3) of this Act, and any reference to the applicant shall be construed accordingly.

12

An application shall be in writing and be in such form and accompanied by such particulars as the F1OFT may specify by general notice.

13

The F1OFT may by notice require the applicant to publish details of his application at a time or times and in a manner specified in the notice.

14

If an application does not comply with paragraph 12 above or if an applicant fails to comply with a notice under section 9 of this Act requiring the furnishing of information or the production of documents in connection with the application, the F1OFT may decline to proceed with the application.