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Interpretation Act 1978, Introductory Text is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 08 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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An Act to consolidate the Interpretation Act 1889 and certain other enactments relating to the construction and operation of Acts of Parliament and other instruments, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission and the Scottish Law Commission.
[20th July 1978]
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act modified (E.W.S.) by Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (c. 27, SIF 107:1), s. 144, Sch. 10 para. 19
C2Act: definition of "subordinate legislation" applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 219(1), 223(2) (with ss. 82(3), 186(1), 222(1), Sch. 13 paras. 1, 2, Sch. 14 para. 6)
Act: definition of "subordinate legislation" applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 221(1), 225(1)
C3Act applied (1.4.1995) by S.R. 1995/71, arts. 1(1)(a), 2(2)
Act applied (with modifications) (27.9.1999) by S.I. 1999/2453, reg. 3
Act applied (1.1.2001) by S.I. 2000/2047, rule 2(2)
Act applied (1.7.2001) by S.I. 2000/2048, rules 1, 2(2); Instrument dated 21.6.2001 made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York
Act applied (27.9.2001) by S.I. 2001/3057, Sch. para. 5(2)
Act applied (1.6.2004) by The Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Practitioners (Disciplinary Committee) (Procedure and Evidence) Rules Order of Council 2004 (S.I. 2004/1680), art. 2, Sch. rule 2.3
C4Act applied (6.4.2005) by The Armed Forces Pension Scheme Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/438), arts. 1, 2, Sch. 1 rule A.1(3)
C5Act applied in part (1.3.2007) by The Social Security Investigation Powers (Arrangements with Northern Ireland) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/271), reg. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 5
C6Act applied (26.11.2008) by Pensions Act 2008 (c. 30), ss. 73(1), 149(2)(a)
C7Act applied (N.I.) (6.4.2016) by The Social Security (Reciprocal Agreement) (Isle of Man) Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016/189), Sch. para. 1(3)
C8Act applied (E.W.S.) (6.4.2016) by The Social Security (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/287), reg. 2(1), Sch. para. 1(3)
C9Act applied (E.W.S.) (6.4.2016) by The Social Security (Reciprocal Agreement) (Isle of Man) Order 2016 (S.I. 2016/157), Sch. para. 1(3)
C10Act applied (24.7.2020) by The Universal Credit (Northern Ireland Reciprocal Arrangements) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/677), Sch. para. 1(3)
Commencement Information
I1Act wholly in force at 1.1.1979, see s. 26
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