s 13 Approval of applications
13.—(1) The Minister may approve an application made by any person under section 11 or 12 if the Minister is satisfied that —(a) the person is a fit and proper person; (b) having regard to the person’s likely influence, the newspaper company will or will continue to conduct its business prudently and comply with the provisions of this Act; and (c) it is in the national interest to do so. (2) Any approval under this section may be granted to any person subject to any conditions that the Minister may determine, including but not limited to any condition —(a) restricting the person’s disposal or further acquisition of shares or voting power in the newspaper company; or (b) restricting the person’s exercise of voting power in the newspaper company. (3) Any condition imposed under subsection (2) has effect despite any of the provisions of the Companies Act 1967 or anything contained in the memorandum or articles of association of the newspaper company. (4) Where the Minister does not approve an application made by any person under section 11(2) or (4) or 12(2), the person must, within the time that the Minister may specify, take any steps that are necessary —(a) in the case of section 11(2), to cease to be a substantial shareholder; (b) in the case of section 11(4), to cease to be a party to the agreement or arrangement; or (c) in the case of section 12(2), to cease to be —(i) a 12% controller; or (ii) an indirect controller, as the case may be.