(1)The Lord Chancellor may by notice require the Electoral Commission to make a recommendation to him as to the distribution between the electoral regions of—
(a)a total number of MEPs specified in the notice; or
(b)if the notice specifies more than one total number of MEPs, each of the total numbers so specified.
(2)The power to give such a notice is exercisable with a view to the implementation of any change or anticipated change under Community law in the total number of MEPs to be elected for the United Kingdom.
(3)The Electoral Commission must comply with such a notice within the period specified in the notice.
(4)In determining what recommendation to make for the distribution of any total number of MEPs, the Electoral Commission must ensure that—
(a)each electoral region is allocated at least three MEPs; and
(b)the ratio of electors to MEPs is as nearly as possible the same in each electoral region.
(5)A recommendation under this section—
(a)must be published by the Electoral Commission and laid before Parliament by the Lord Chancellor; and
(b)ceases to have effect at the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which it is made.