(1) After section 1253 of the Companies Act 2006 (delegation of functions to an existing body) insert -

"Cooperation with foreign competent authorities

1253A. Requests to foreign competent authorities

The Secretary of State may request from an EEA competent authority or a third country competent authority such assistance, information or investigation as he may reasonably require in connection with the exercise of his functions under this Part.

1253B. Requests from EEA competent authorities

(1) The Secretary of State must take all necessary steps to -

(a) ensure that an investigation is carried out, or

(b) provide any other assistance or information,

if requested to do so by an EEA competent authority in accordance with Article 36 of the Audit Directive (cooperation between Member State authorities).

(2) Within 28 days following the date on which he receives the request, the Secretary of State must -

(a) provide the assistance or information required by the EEA competent authority under subsection (1)(b), or

(b) notify the EEA competent authority which made the request of the reasons why he has not done so.

(3) But the Secretary of State need not take steps to comply with a request under subsection (1) if -