§ Mr. Simsasked the Minister for the Civil Service why copies of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1976, which received the Royal Assent on 22nd November 1976 and became operative on 22nd December 1976, were not available to the clerks of magistrates' courts until 13th January 1977; and if he will seek to ensure that in future Acts of Parliament affecting the courts do not become operative until copies of the Acts have been made available.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisThere was an unfortunate delay in distribution of promulgation copies of this Act to clerks of magistrates' courts and others entitled to them. Steps have been taken to avoid a recurrence. Departments normally try to ensure that wherever possible Acts do not come into force until one month after Royal Assent and this usually allows sufficient time for printing and distribution.