After section 1C of the 1985 Act insert—

“1DConduct of proceedings in the sheriff court

(1)

A person authorised by the Accountant in Bankruptcy may conduct civil proceedings in the sheriff court in relation to a function of the Accountant in Bankruptcy (including the functions listed in section 1A).

(2)

In subsection (1), “civil proceedings” are proceedings which are not in respect of an offence.”.