Part I The Scottish Parliament

Legislation

33 Scrutiny of Bills by the F1Supreme CourtF4(legislative competence) .

1

The Advocate General, the Lord Advocate or the Attorney General may refer the question of whether a Bill or any provision of a Bill would be within the legislative competence of the Parliament to the F2Supreme Court for decision.

2

Subject to subsection (3), he may make a reference in relation to a Bill at any time during—

a

the period of four weeks beginning with the passing of the Bill, and

b

any period of four weeks beginning with any F3... approval of the Bill in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of section 36(5).

3

He shall not make a reference in relation to a Bill if he has notified the Presiding Officer that he does not intend to make a reference in relation to the Bill, unless the Bill has been approved as mentioned in subsection (2)(b) since the notification.