3

1 Where the office of Welsh Administration Ombudsman becomes vacant, Her Majesty may, at any time during the period of twelve months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose, appoint a person to act as the Welsh Administration Ombudsman. 2 Subject to sub-paragraphs (3) to (5), an acting Welsh Administration Ombudsman shall hold office in accordance with the terms of his appointment. 3 An acting Welsh Administration Ombudsman shall not hold office after— a the appointment of a new Welsh Administration Ombudsman, or b the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the date on which the vacancy arose, whichever occurs first. 4 Her Majesty may at any time relieve an acting Welsh Administration Ombudsman of office— a at his request, or b on Her Majesty being satisfied that he is incapable for medical reasons of performing the duties of his office and of requesting to be relieved of it. 5 Her Majesty may remove an acting Welsh Administration Ombudsman from office at any time if, on the ground of misbehaviour, the Secretary of State recommends that Her Majesty should do so; but the Secretary of State shall not so recommend without consulting the Assembly. 6 A person appointed under this paragraph shall, while he holds office, be regarded for all purposes (except those of paragraph 1 and this paragraph) as the Welsh Administration Ombudsman.