Smith, CPA, Has Requested Permission to Communicate with the Predecessor

Smith, CPA, has requested permission to communicate with the predecessor auditor in order to review certain workpapers for high risk accounts for a new audit client. The new audit client's refusal to allow this communication to occur would impact Smith's decision concerning

A) the auditor's ability to design audit tests.
B) possible scope exception due to lack of access.
C) the desirability of accepting the prospective engagement.
D) violation of the GAAP rules concerning consistency and comparability of financial information.