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1 Section 53 (applications for bail in immigration cases) is amended as follows. 2 After subsection (6) insert— 6A In so far as regulations under this section relate to England and Wales, the Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales before giving his approval. 6B In so far as regulations under this section relate to Northern Ireland, the Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland before giving his approval. 3 After subsection (7) insert— 8 The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section. 9 The Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland may nominate any of the following to exercise his functions under this section— a the holder of one of the offices listed in Schedule 1 to the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002; b a Lord Justice of Appeal (as defined in section 88 of that Act).