(1)This section applies where the Service Complaints Commissioner (“the Commissioner”) considers that any communication made to him contains an allegation that a person named in such a communication—
(a)is subject to service law and has been wronged in a prescribed way; or
(b)was wronged in such a way while he was so subject.
(2)The Commissioner may refer the allegation to the officer whom he considers to be the relevant officer.
(3)If the allegation is referred under subsection (2), the officer to whom it is referred must as soon as is reasonably practicable—
(a)inform the person that the allegation has been so referred;
(b)ensure that the person is aware of—
(i)the procedure for making a service complaint; and
(ii)the effect on the making of service complaints of any regulations made by virtue of section 334(5)(b) (time limits for service complaints); and
(c)ascertain whether he wishes to make a service complaint in respect of the alleged wrong.
(4)Regulations made by the Secretary of State must provide that where the allegation is referred under subsection (2), the prescribed person must within the prescribed period notify the Commissioner of prescribed matters.
(5)In this section—
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;
“relevant officer” means the officer to whom a service complaint made by the person in respect of the alleged wrong is (under regulations made under section 334) to be made;
“service complaint” has the same meaning as in that section.