In section 147 (prevention of delay in trials) of the 1995 Act, for subsection (2) there is substituted—
“(2)On an application made for the purpose, the sheriff may, on cause shown—
(a)extend the period mentioned in subsection (1) above; and
(b)order the accused to be detained awaiting trial,
for such period as the sheriff thinks fit.
(2A)Before determining an application under subsection (2) above, the sheriff shall give the parties an opportunity to be heard.
(2B)However, where all the parties join in the application, the sheriff may determine the application without hearing the parties and, accordingly, may dispense with any hearing previously appointed for the purpose of considering the application.”.