(a)
Upon request of either of the parties to an acquisition as described in Section 1731, the department shall within 30 days issue a certificate, or a statement showing the amount of any contributions, interest and penalties claimed to be due. The failure to issue a certificate or a statement within the period of 30 days shall be deemed equivalent to the issuance of a certificate stating that no contributions, interest or penalties are due.
(b)
If the department issues a statement showing the amount of contributions, interest and penalties claimed to be due, the amount stated therein shall be withheld and paid to the department such amount, however, not to exceed the purchase price. The issuance of any certificate stating that no contributions, interest and penalties are due, or the failure to issue such certificate or statement within the period of 30 days shall not release the employer from liability on account of any contributions, interest and penalties then or thereafter determined to be due from him, but shall release the acquiring person or employing unit from any further liability on account of any such contributions, interest and penalties.