Page:Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003.pdf/22

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NO. 27 OF 2003


signed by all the members of the Panel shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been made or reached at a meeting of the Panel where all its members were present.

2. The Panel may meet for the purposes of its inquiry, adjourn or otherwise regulate the conduct of its inquiry as the members think fit.

3. The Chairman may at any time summon a meeting of the Panel.

4. All members of the Panel shall vote on any question arising at the meeting (subject to any direction under paragraph 7) and such question shall be determined by a majority of votes.

5. The supplier to whom the proposal under consideration by the Panel relates shall not have the right to be heard by the Panel, whether in person or by counsel, unless the Panel in its absolute discretion otherwise allows.

6. A member of the Panel shall declare to the Minister, or any other person authorised by the Minister, the nature and extent of all conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest, if any, with his duties or interests as a member of the Panel arising from—

(a) his holding of any office;
(b) his interest in any contract;
(c) his possession or ownership of any property;
(d) any direct or indirect relationship with a supplier or consumer affected by a proposal referred to in section 10(5)(a); or
(e) his connection or association with any trade or consumer body.

7. Where the Minister, or any other person authorised by the Minister, is satisfied that a member of the Panel is unable to carry out his duties properly and effectively because of any conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest referred to in paragraph 6, the Minister may replace that member or direct that member to abstain from taking part in any proceedings relating to any matter affected by his conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest.

8. In the event that the Chairman is unable, by reason of illness, leave of absence or any other cause, to exercise any of the functions of his office, the Deputy Chairman shall exercise those functions.

FOURTH SCHEDULE

Section 12(8)

MODIFICATIONS TO PROVISIONS OF LIMITATION ACT

1. In the case of an action under section 6, subsection (1) of section 24 of the Limitation Act (Cap. 163) shall be replaced by the following subsection: