Part 3: Enforcement of consumer protection law Applications for enforcement orders and interim enforcement orders Section 154: CMA directions to other enforcers
This section provides a direction-making power for the CMA. This section restates and updates section 216 of the Enterprise Act 2002.
	If it appears to the CMA that an enforcer other than itself intends to apply for an enforcement order or an interim enforcement order in respect of a particular infringement, it may direct which enforcer may make the application, that only the CMA may do so or that an application should not be made at all (subsections (1) and (2)). The underlying policy intent is for the CMA to be able to prevent businesses being faced with multiple applications for interim enforcement or enforcement orders in respect of the same potentially infringing practice. The Government considers that the CMA is able to decide which enforcer is best placed to proceed with the application.
	Subsection (4) limits the CMA’s power to direct that an application should not be made to where the particular infringement is being investigated by the CMA under the direct enforcement regime in Chapter 4 or the CMA proposes to conduct such an investigation.
	Where the CMA makes a direction under subsection (2), this does not prevent the CMA or another enforcer from agreeing an undertaking with the enforcement subject or the CMA from taking other steps to prevent the infringing practice or bring the infringing practice to an end (subsection (3)).
	Subsection (5) provides a power for the CMA to vary or withdraw a direction under this section.