The competition framework Part 4: Competition Reform Summary and Background Section 48: Extension of power to issue warrants to the Competition Appeal Tribunal
364.This section allows the CAT to issue warrants allowing a named officer of the CMA to enter premises as part of the investigation of a suspected cartel offence under section 188 of the EA 2002. At present, the power to issue warrants under section 194 of the EA 2002 is reserved to the High Court or, in Scotland, to a sheriff. The amendments to section 194 maintain the requirement for applications for a warrant to be made in accordance with rules of court if they are made to a court, and specify that applications to the CAT must be made in accordance with the equivalent CAT rules. The section also makes changes to Schedule 4 to the EA 2002 (which deals with the CAT’s procedures) consequent upon this section and section 41 and Schedule 13 which make corresponding provision extending to the CAT various powers to issue warrants to allow an investigation officer to enter premises as part of an investigation under the CA 1998. The changes enable the CAT’s rules to make provision for certain matters relating to the manner in which proceedings concerning applications for a warrant are to be conducted, including for the Tribunal dealing with the proceedings to consist only of the President of the CAT or a member of the panel of chairmen. The current provisions under Schedule 4 relating to the enforcement of decisions, the institution of proceedings and the conduct of a hearing are disapplied in respect of proceedings in relation to warrants.