C1Part II Legislative Powers

Annotations:
Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Scrutiny and stages of Bills

11 Scrutiny by the F1Supreme Court.

1

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland may refer the question of whether a provision of a Bill would be within the legislative competence of the Assembly to the F2Supreme Court for decision.

2

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

a

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

b

the period of four weeks beginning with any subsequent approval of the Bill in accordance with standing orders made by virtue of section 13(6).

3

If he notifies the Presiding Officer that he does not intend to make a reference in relation to a provision of a Bill, he shall not make such a reference unless, after the notification, the Bill is approved as mentioned in subsection (2)(b).

4

If the F3Supreme Court decides that any provision of a Bill would be within the legislative competence of the Assembly, F4its decision shall be taken as applying also to that provision if contained in the Act when enacted.