Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act 1997

2Duration of decommissioning scheme

(1)A decommissioning scheme must identify a period during which firearms, ammunition and explosives may be dealt with in accordance with the scheme (“the amnesty period”).

(2)The amnesty period must end before—

(a)the first anniversary of the day on which this Act is passed, or

(b)such later day as the Secretary of State may by order from time to time appoint.

(3)A day appointed by an order under subsection (2)(b) must not be—

(a)more than twelve months after the day on which the order is made, or

(b)more than five years after the day on which this Act is passed.

(4)An order under subsection (2)(b) shall be made by statutory instrument; and no order shall be made unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament.