Part I Deregulation

Chapter I General

Removal or reduction of burdens

F12 Limitations on the power under section 1.

1

If an order under section 1 above creates a new criminal offence, then, subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, that offence shall not be punishable—

a

on indictment with imprisonment for a term of more than two years; or

b

on summary conviction with imprisonment for a term exceeding six months or a fine exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.

2

In the case of an offence which, if committed by an adult, is triable either on indictment or summarily and is not an offence triable on indictment only by virtue of—

a

Part V of M1 the Criminal Justice Act 1988, or

F2b

section 292(6) and (7) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995,

the reference in subsection (1)(b) above to level 5 on the standard scale shall be construed as a reference to the statutory maximum.

3

If an order under section 1 above abolishes an offence contained in the relevant enactment and the maximum penalties for that offence are greater than those specified in subsection (1) above, the order may create a new criminal offence having maximum penalties not exceeding those applicable to the offence which is abolished.

4

An order under section 1 above shall not contain any provision—

a

providing for any forcible entry, search or seizure, or

b

compelling the giving of evidence,

unless, and then only to the extent that, a provision to that effect is contained in the relevant enactment and is abolished by the order.