SCHEDULE 1The Assembly
Presiding officer
3
(1)
The Secretary of State may—
(a)
appoint a presiding officer and no more than three deputy presiding officers, or
(b)
authorise the Assembly to elect a presiding officer and no more than three deputy presiding officers in such manner as the Secretary of State may specify.
(2)
The Secretary of State may if he thinks fit exercise his powers under sub-paragraph (1)(b) after exercising his powers under sub-paragraph (1)(a) (so that an elected presiding officer and elected deputy presiding officers replace those appointed by him).
(3)
The Secretary of State may appoint a person, or authorise the Assembly to elect a person—
(a)
to fill any vacancy in the office of presiding officer or deputy presiding officer, or
(b)
to replace a presiding officer or deputy presiding officer who, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, is unable, unfit or unwilling to perform his functions (whether because of illness or otherwise).