Subject to subsections (2), (3) F1, (3A) and (4) below, the maximum number of judges of the Court of Session (hereinafter in this Act referred to as “the Court”) shall be F536.

Her Majesty may by Order in Council from time to time amend subsection (1) above so as to increase or further increase the maximum number of persons who may be appointed as judges of the Court.

No recommendation shall be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order under this section unless a draft of the Order has been laid before F2and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.

The Lord President must be consulted before any draft of an Order under this section is laid before the Parliament.

No vacancy arising among the judges of the Court shall be filled unless the Secretary of State F4. . .is satisfied that the state of business in the Court requires that the vacancy should be filled.

There shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund any increase attributable to the provisions of this section in the sums which, under any other enactment, are payable out of that Fund.