Explanatory note

This Order designates prosecuting authorities for the purposes ofsection 3(3) of the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act1990. Section 3(1) of the 1990 Act provides for a justice of the peaceor a judge or, in Scotland, a sheriff or judge to issue a letterrequesting assistance outside the United Kingdom in obtaining evidencefor use in criminal investigations or proceedings. Section 3(3) of the1990 Act provides that a designated prosecuting authority may itselfissue such a letter of request.