3This Part applies in relation to devolution issues in proceedings in England and Wales.
4(1)Proceedings for the determination of a devolution issue may be instituted by the Attorney General or the Counsel General.
(2)The Counsel General may defend any such proceedings instituted by the Attorney General.
(3)This paragraph does not limit any power to institute or defend proceedings exercisable apart from this paragraph by any person.
5(1)A court or tribunal must order notice of any devolution issue which arises in any proceedings before it to be given to the Attorney General and the Counsel General (unless a party to the proceedings).
(2)A person to whom notice is given in pursuance of sub-paragraph (1) may take part as a party in the proceedings, so far as they relate to a devolution issue.
6A magistrates' court may refer any devolution issue which arises in civil proceedings before it to the High Court.
7(1)A court may refer any devolution issue which arises in civil proceedings before it to the Court of Appeal.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1) does not apply—
(a)to a magistrates' court, the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, or
(b)to the High Court if the devolution issue arises in proceedings on a reference under paragraph 6.
8A tribunal from which there is no appeal must refer any devolution issue which arises in proceedings before it to the Court of Appeal; and any other tribunal may make such a reference.
9A court, other than the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, may refer any devolution issue which arises in criminal proceedings before it to—
(a)the High Court if the proceedings are summary proceedings, or
(b)the Court of Appeal if the proceedings are proceedings on indictment.
10The Court of Appeal may refer any devolution issue which arises in proceedings before it (otherwise than on a reference under paragraph 7, 8 or 9) to the Supreme Court.
11An appeal against a determination of a devolution issue by the High Court or the Court of Appeal on a reference under paragraph 6, 7, 8 or 9 lies to the Supreme Court but only—
(a)with permission of the court from which the appeal lies, or
(b)failing such permission, with permission of the Supreme Court.