79Form of Part 5 applications
(1)In each of the following provisions of the 1997 Act, the words “in the prescribed manner and form” are repealed—
section 112(1)(a)
section 113A(1)(a)
section 113B(1)(a)
section 114(1)(a)
section 116(1)(a)
(2)In sections 117(1) and 120(2) of the 1997 Act, the words “in writing” are repealed.
(3)After section 125 of the 1997 Act insert—
“125AForm of applications
(1)It is for the Scottish Ministers to determine the form and manner in which applications must be made for the purposes of sections 112(1)(a), 113A(1)(a), 113B(1)(a), 114(1)(a), 116(1)(a), 117(1), and 120(2).
(2)The Scottish Ministers may, in particular, determine that such applications may be made in electronic form (and may be signed or countersigned electronically).
(3)The Scottish Ministers need not consider any such application unless it is made in the form and manner determined by them (or in a form and manner as close to that as circumstances permit).”.