Part IVScrutiny etc. of investigatory powers and of the functions of the intelligence services
Commissioners
63Assistant Surveillance Commissioners
1
The Prime Minister may, after consultation with the Chief Surveillance Commissioner as to numbers, appoint as Assistant Surveillance Commissioners such number of persons as the Prime Minister considers necessary (in addition to the ordinary Surveillance Commissioners) for the purpose of providing the Chief Surveillance Commissioner with assistance under this section.
2
A person shall not be appointed as an Assistant Surveillance Commissioner unless he holds or has held office as—
a
a judge of the Crown Court or a Circuit judge;
b
a sheriff in Scotland; or
c
a county court judge in Northern Ireland.
3
The Chief Surveillance Commissioner may—
a
require any ordinary Surveillance Commissioner or any Assistant Surveillance Commissioner to provide him with assistance in carrying out his functions under section 62(1); or
b
require any Assistant Surveillance Commissioner to provide him with assistance in carrying out his equivalent functions under any Act of the Scottish Parliament in relation to any provisions of such an Act that are equivalent to those of Part II of this Act.
4
The assistance that may be provided under this section includes—
a
the conduct on behalf of the Chief Surveillance Commissioner of the review of any matter; and
b
the making of a report to the Chief Surveillance Commissioner about the matter reviewed.
5
Subsections (3) to (8) of section 91 of the [1997 c. 50.] Police Act 1997 (Commissioners) apply in relation to a person appointed under this section as they apply in relation to a person appointed under that section.