(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, the functions under the Convention of a Central Authority shall be discharged—
(a)in England and Wales and in Northern Ireland by the Lord Chancellor; and
(b)in Scotland by the Secretary of State.
(2)Any application made under the Convention by or on behalf of a person outside the United Kingdom may be addressed to the Lord Chancellor as the Central Authority in the United Kingdom.
(3)Where any such application relates to a function to be discharged under subsection (1) above by the Secretary of State it shall be transmitted by the Lord Chancellor to the Secretary of State and where such an application is addressed to the Secretary of State but relates to a function to be discharged under subsection (1) above by the Lord Chancellor the Secretary of State shall transmit it to the Lord Chancellor.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 14 applied (with modifications) (1.3.1997) by S.I. 1996/3156, art. 2, Sch.
S. 14 applied (with modifications) (2.12.1997) by S.I. 1997/2574 art. 2, Sch.