38. For rule 48 substitute—
48.—(1) This rule and rules 49 and 50 do not apply where the local returning officer is not the relevant returning or counting officer.
(2) But where the local returning officer is the relevant returning or counting officer, the officer must—
(a)make arrangements for the verification of the ballot paper accounts to be carried out as soon as practicable after the close of the poll and in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the PCC election and those appointed for the purposes of each relevant election or referendum, and
(b)give the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the PCC election and those appointed for the purposes of each relevant election or referendum notice in writing of the time and place at which the verification of the ballot paper accounts will begin.
(3) A person may be present at the verification of the ballot paper accounts only if—
(a)the person is entitled to be present at the first count of the votes for the PCC election or at the counting of the votes for a relevant election or referendum, or
(b)the person is permitted by the relevant returning or counting officer to attend.
(4) Permission under paragraph (3)(b) may be given only if the relevant returning or counting officer is satisfied that the person’s attendance will not impede the efficient verification of the ballot paper accounts.
(5) The relevant returning or counting officer must give the counting agents all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and all such information with respect to them, as the officer can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of the officer’s duties.”