the first paragraph doesn't say which exams
That's because the rule quoted is specifically dealing with the ATPL exams, and states it in the title.
In the UK, CAP 804 gives further guidance:
Failure to comply with Acceptance Period
If a CPL and IR for aeroplanes (or CPL and type rating in the case of helicopters) are not
granted within the 36 month acceptance period then the ATPL theory credit will lapse and candidates will be required to re-pass all ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations
to regain ATPL theory credit.
However, where a candidate has previously passed all ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations but was not granted a CPL/IR within the 36 month acceptance period, the amount of ATPL theoretical knowledge instruction will
be at the discretion of the Approved ATO.
It's pretty clear that you must get
both a CPL
and an IR within the 36 months, otherwise the exams are no longer valid for the initial issue of either. You then need to retake all the exams, however, the training required will be at the discretion of the ATO rather than having to redo the full approved course.
Note that the 36 months is for the grant of the licence, not starting the course, so yours are well out of date. Please do not spend any money on CPL training until you have re-done the exams, as it is highly likely any application for a CPL will be rejected until you retake the exams, possibly invalidating any CPL training you may have done in the meantime.
Any ATO worth the money will know all of this, and not put you on a CPL course as you are not eligible to start one.