This section applies where ACAS is exercising its functions under section 210 with a view to bringing about a settlement of a recognition dispute.
The parties to the recognition dispute may jointly request ACAS or a person nominated by ACAS to do either or both of the following—
In the following provisions of this section references to ACAS include references to a person nominated by ACAS; and anything done by such a person under this section shall be regarded as done in the exercise of the functions of ACAS mentioned in subsection (1).
At any time after ACAS has received a request under subsection (2), it may require any party to the recognition dispute—
ACAS may impose a requirement under subsection (4) only if it considers that it is necessary to do so—
The recipient of a requirement under this section must, within the specified period, supply ACAS with such of the specified information as is in the recipient's possession.
A request under subsection (2) may be withdrawn by any party to the recognition dispute at any time and, if it is withdrawn, ACAS shall take no further steps to hold the ballot or to ascertain the union membership of the workers involved in the dispute.
If a party to a recognition dispute fails to comply with subsection (6), ACAS shall take no further steps to hold the ballot or to ascertain the union membership of the workers involved in the dispute.
Nothing in this section requires ACAS to comply with a request under subsection (2).
In this section—