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1 Section 33 (alteration of petty sessions areas) is amended as follows. 2 In subsection (2) after “Lord Chancellor” in the first place insert “ after he has consulted the Lord Chief Justice ” . 3 In subsection (3)— a in paragraph (a) after “Lord Chancellor thinks fit” insert “ after consulting the Lord Chief Justice ” ; b for paragraph (b) substitute— b a magistrates' court committee fail to comply within six months with a direction under subsection (2); bb the Lord Chancellor is, after consulting the Lord Chief Justice, dissatisfied with the draft order or report submitted in pursuance of such a direction; or . 4 After subsection (3) insert— 3A The Lord Chancellor may only make an order to which subsection (3) applies after consulting the Lord Chief Justice. 5 In subsection (4) after “appear to the Lord Chancellor” insert “ , after consulting the Lord Chief Justice, ” . 6 After subsection (5) insert— 6 The Lord Chief Justice 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.