s 8 Sending requests for assistance
(1) A request for assistance under section 7 may be sent— (a) to a court exercising jurisdiction in the place where the evidence is situated, or (b) to any authority recognised by the government of the country in question as the appropriate authority for receiving requests of that kind. (2) Alternatively, if it is a request by a judicial authority or a designated prosecuting authority it may be sent to the Secretary of State (in Scotland, the Lord Advocate) for forwarding to a court or authority mentioned in subsection (1). (3) In cases of urgency, a request for assistance may be sent to— (a) the International Criminal Police Organisation, or (b) any body or person competent to receive it under any provisions adopted under the Treaty on European Union, for forwarding to any court or authority mentioned in subsection (1).