Paragraph 21 Execution of documents

(1)

The application of the seal of the Office must be authenticated by the signature of a member or employee of the Office whom it has authorised for the purpose (whether generally or specifically).

(2)

Any document which the Office is authorised or required by or under any enactment to serve, make or issue may be signed on its behalf by a member or employee whom it has authorised for the purpose (whether generally or specifically).

(3)

Every document purporting—

(a)

to be an instrument made or issued by or on behalf of the Office, and

(b)

to be duly executed under the seal of the Office, or to be duly signed or executed by a person authorised by the Office for the purpose,

shall be received in evidence and, unless the contrary is shown, treated without further proof as so made or issued.

(4)

In this paragraph the reference to a signature includes a reference to a facsimile of a signature produced by any process and “signed” is to be construed accordingly.

(5)

In this paragraph “enactment” includes—

(a)

an enactment contained in subordinate legislation,

(b)

an enactment contained in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament,

(c)

an enactment contained in, or in an instrument made under, Northern Ireland legislation, and

(d)

an enactment contained in, or in an instrument made under, a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales.