21.—(1) The Supreme Court may, upon an appeal to it in a personal injuries action, invite such persons as it considers appropriate to make submissions to the court—

(a) in relation to any matter concerning either liability or damages that it considers to be of exceptional public importance, and

(b) if the action belongs to a class of causes of action in which the same or a similar matter arises.

(2) The Supreme Court may perform functions under subsection (1), either—

(a) upon receiving a request in that behalf from a party to the personal injuries action concerned, or from a person who is not such a party, or

(b) where no such request is made.

(3) Where a person declines an invitation to make submissions under this section he or she shall inform the court in writing stating his or her reason for so declining.