HL Deb 08 November 1979 vol 402 cc1083-4WA
Baroness ELLES

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the duties, responsibilities and powers of a representative of the competent authority during an investigation under Article 14 of Regulation17/62, and what guidance is laid down governing the presence of such a representative.

Lord TREFGARNE

These are laid down in the regulation, which has direct effect under United Kingdom law, and consist of assisting officials of the Commission in carrying out their duties in investigating suspected breaches of the competition rules. It is the normal practice of the officials of the competent authority to accompany the Commission's inspectors in order, as necessary, to facilitate co-operation in the carrying out of the investigation. There are no formal guidelines governing the behaviour of such representatives.