Explanatory note

This Order designates prosecuting authorities for the purposes of section 7(5) of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003. Section 7(1) of that Act provides for any judicial authority listed in section 7(4) to issue a request for assistance in obtaining outside the United Kingdom any evidence specified in the request for use in criminal proceedings or investigations in the United Kingdom. Section 7(5) provides that, in relation to England and Wales or Northern Ireland, a designated prosecuting authority may itself request such assistance.