(1) The Supreme Court may, upon an appeal to it in a personal injuries action, invite such persons as it considers appropriate to make submissions to the court -

(a) in relation to any matter concerning either liability or damages that it considers to be of exceptional public importance, and

(b) if the action belongs to a class of causes of action in which the same or a similar matter arises.

(2) The Supreme Court may perform functions under subsection (1), either -

(a) upon receiving a request in that behalf from a party to the personal injuries action concerned, or from a person who is not such a party, or

(b) where no such request is made.

(3) Where a person declines an invitation to make submissions under this section he or she shall inform the court in writing stating his or her reason for so declining.