§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to bring into force Section 166 of the Pensions Act 1995 as to the court's treatment of pensions on divorce.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)It remains the Government's intention that applications for orders under Section 166 of the Pensions Act 1995 will be able to be made where the petition for divorce is presented to the court on or after 1st July 1996. The regulations and accompanying rules of court will come into force on 1st August 1996 to allow the judiciary, the legal profession and the pensions industry sufficient time to become familiar with their requirements before being asked to consider such applications.
The policy as to the content of the regulations under Section 166 of the Pensions Act 1995 has been agreed and a summary of the proposals is available in the Library. The regulations will be laid shortly. Separate legislative vehicles will be provided for Scotland and Northern Ireland.