(1)Nothing in this Part of this Act shall affect the prerogative of mercy, but the Secretary of State on the consideration of any conviction of a person or the sentence (other than sentence of death) passed on a person who has been convicted, may, if he thinks fit, at any time, and whether or not an appeal or an application for leave to appeal against such conviction or sentence has previously been heard and determined by the High Court, either—
(a)refer the whole case to the High Court and the case shall then be heard and determined by the High Court as in the case of an appeal under this Part of this Act; or
(b)if he desires the assistance of the High Court on any point arising in the case refer that point to the court for their opinion thereon, and the court shall consider the point so referred and furnish the Secretary of State with their opinion thereon accordingly.
(2)The power of the Secretary of State under this section to refer to the High Court the case, or any point arising on the case, of a person convicted shall be exercisable whether or not that person has petitioned for the exercise of Her Majesty's mercy.