(1)Subject to the following provisions of this section, this Part applies to any referendum held throughout—
(a)the United Kingdom;
(b)one or more of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; or
(c)any region in England specified in Schedule 1 to the [1998 c. 45.] Regional Development Agencies Act 1998.
(2)In this Part—
(a)“referendum” means a referendum or other poll held, in pursuance of any provision made by or under an Act of Parliament, on one or more questions specified in or in accordance with any such provision;
(b)“question” includes proposition (and “answer” accordingly includes response).
(3)A poll held under section 36 of the [1998 c. 38.] Government of Wales Act 1998 is not, however, to be taken to be a referendum falling within subsection (2).
(4)If the Secretary of State by order so provides—
(a)subsection (2) shall apply to any specified Bill which has been introduced into Parliament before the making of the order as if it were an Act; and
(b)any specified provisions of this Part shall apply, subject to any specified modifications, in relation to any specified referendum for which provision is made by the Bill.
(5)In subsection (4) “specified” means specified in the order under that subsection.