Interpretation

2.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires,—

“the Act” means the Family Law Reform Act 1969;

“court” means a court which gives a direction for the use of blood tests in pursuance of section 20(1) of the Act;

“direction” means a direction given as aforesaid;

“direction form” means Form 1 in Schedule 1 to these Regulations;

“photograph” means a recent photograph, taken full face without a hat, of the size required for insertion in a passport;

“sample” means blood taken for the purpose of tests;

“sampler” means a registered medical practitioner or tester nominated in a direction form to take blood samples for the purposes of the direction;

“subject” means a person from whom a court directs that blood samples shall be taken;

“tester” means a person appointed by the Secretary of State to carry out blood tests;

“tests” means blood tests carried out under Part III of the Act and includes any test made with the object of ascertaining the inheritable characteristics of blood.

(2) A reference in these Regulations to a person who is under a disability is a reference to a person who has not attained the age of 16 years or who is suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1959 and is incapable of understanding the nature and purpose of blood tests.

(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 shall apply to the interpretation of these Regulations as it applies to the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.