13Deferral of action

13 Deferral of action

(1) The Commission may defer dealing with a referral if the subject‑matter of the referral is being investigated by another entity.

(2) The Commission may consult an entity investigating the subject‑matter of a referral to determine whether it is appropriate to defer dealing with the referral.

(3) The Commission must not defer dealing with a referral for a period that is unreasonable.

(4) If the Commission defers dealing with a referral, the Commission must give written notice of the deferral to the referrer.

(5) If a deferral continues for a period longer than 12 months and the referral is not withdrawn, dismissed under section 11 or redirected under section 14, the Commission must—

(a) give written notice of the ongoing deferral to the referrer; and

(b) consult the referrer as to whether the referral should be withdrawn or dismissed.