§ Mr. Irvingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidance he has given to chief constables concerning implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 1985;
(2) if he will make a statement on the progress of the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 1985.
§ Mr. MellorWith the exception of that part of section 1(1) which section 5(6) provides shall not take effect until section 3 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 is in force in the area concerned, the Sexual Offences Act 1985 came into force on 16 September 1985. The Act will come fully into force on 1 April 1986 in the areas specified in the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (Commencement No. 1) Order 1985 (SI 1985/1849), and elsewhere later in the year. Guidance was given to chief officers of police in Home Office circular No. 52/1985 dated 2 September 1985, a copy of which is in the Library.