This section applies where a notice of proposed civil partnership is given to a registration authority under section 21.
The registration authority may issue a Registrar General’s licence if, and only if, given authority to do so by the Registrar General.
The Registrar General—
may not give his authority unless he is satisfied that one of the proposed civil partners is seriously ill and not expected to recover, but
if so satisfied, must give his authority unless a lawful impediment to the issue of his licence has been shown to his satisfaction to exist.
A licence under this section must state that it is issued on the authority of the Registrar General.
Regulations may (subject to subsection (4)) make provision as to the contents of a licence under this section.
If an objection has been made to the Registrar General giving authority for the issue of his licence, he is not to give that authority until—
he has investigated the objection and decided whether it ought to obstruct the issue of his licence, or
the objection has been withdrawn by the person who made it.
Any decision of the Registrar General under subsection (6)(a) is final.