17 Power in case of default to appoint sole arbitrator.E+W+N.I.
(1)Unless the parties otherwise agree, where each of two parties to an arbitration agreement is to appoint an arbitrator and one party (“the party in default”) refuses to do so, or fails to do so within the time specified, the other party, having duly appointed his arbitrator, may give notice in writing to the party in default that he proposes to appoint his arbitrator to act as sole arbitrator.
(2)If the party in default does not within 7 clear days of that notice being given—
(a)make the required appointment, and
(b)notify the other party that he has done so,
the other party may appoint his arbitrator as sole arbitrator whose award shall be binding on both parties as if he had been so appointed by agreement.
(3)Where a sole arbitrator has been appointed under subsection (2), the party in default may (upon notice to the appointing party) apply to the court which may set aside the appointment.
(4)The leave of the court is required for any appeal from a decision of the court under this section.