(1) This section applies to -
(a) a notice or request under any provision of Part II,
(b) a notice under subsection (1) of section 24 or particulars made available under that subsection, or
(c) an application under section 41(2),
but does not apply to anything which is required to be served in accordance with rules of court.
(2) The requirement that any notice, request, particulars or application to which this section applies should be in writing is satisfied where the text of the notice, request, particulars or application -
(a) is transmitted by electronic means,
(b) is received in legible form, and
(c) is capable of being used for subsequent reference.
(3) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide that any requirement that any notice, request, particulars or application to which this section applies should be in writing is not to apply in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the regulations.