(1) The first time after the passing of this Act that rules of court are made in exercise of the powers conferred by this Chapter -

(a) in relation to proceedings in England and Wales, or

(b) in relation to proceedings in Northern Ireland,

they may be made by the Lord Chancellor instead of by the person who would otherwise make them.

(2) Before making rules of court under this section, the Lord Chancellor must consult -

(a) in relation to rules applicable to proceedings in England and Wales, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales;

(b) in relation to rules applicable to proceedings in Northern Ireland, the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.

The Lord Chancellor is not required to undertake any other consultation before making the rules.

(3) The requirements of subsection (2)(a) and (b) may be satisfied by consultation that took place wholly or partly before the passing of this Act.

(4) Rules of court made by the Lord Chancellor under this section -

(a) must be laid before Parliament, and