in section 5 (power to regulate procedure), after paragraph (ee) insert—

“(ef)

to permit a lay representative, when appearing at a hearing in any category of cause along with a party to the cause, to make oral submissions to the Court on the party's behalf.”,

after section 5 insert—

“5ARules for lay representation

(1)

Rules under section 5(ef)—

(a)

are to apply to situations in which the party is not otherwise represented,

(b)

may specify other conditions by reference to which the rules are to apply.

(2)

Section 5(ef) is subject to any enactment under which special provision may be made for a party to a particular type of case before the Court to be represented by a lay representative.

(3)

In section 5(ef) and this section, a “lay representative” is a person who is not—

(a)

a solicitor,

(b)

an advocate, or

(c)

one having a right to conduct litigation, or a right of audience, by virtue of section 27 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990.”.