Combining and splitting investigations25

1

An appropriate authority which is carrying out an investigation on its own behalf may—

a

combine that investigation with another such investigation; or

b

split that investigation into two or more such separate investigations

if it considers that it is more efficient and effective, or is otherwise in the public interest, to do so.

2

Subject to paragraph (3), where the Commission is supervising, managing or carrying out an investigation, it may—

a

combine that investigation with another investigation; or

b

split that investigation into two or more separate investigations,

if it considers that it is more efficient and effective, or is otherwise in the public interest, to do so.

3

The Commission shall not take any action under paragraph (2) in relation to a supervised or managed investigation except after consultation with the appropriate authority.

4

Nothing in this regulation shall prevent the Commission from determining that—

a

where an investigation is split into two or more separate investigations, those investigations may take different forms;

b

two or more separate investigations which take different forms (including an investigation being carried out by the appropriate authority on its own behalf) may be combined into a single investigation.