1.—(1) These Rules may be cited as the Magistrates' Courts (Forms) Rules 1981 and shall come into operation on 6th July 1981.

(2) The Rules mentioned in Schedule 1 to these Rules are hereby revoked, but where proceedings were commenced before 6th July 1981 and the old enactments within the meaning of paragraphs 1 and 2(2) of Schedule 8 to the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 continue to apply by virtue of paragraph 2(1) of the said Schedule 8, the provisions of the Rules so mentioned continue to apply and nothing in these Rules affects those provisions.

2.—(1) The forms contained in Schedule 2 to these Rules or forms to the like effect may be used, with such variation as the circumstances may require, in connection with proceedings in magistrates' courts.

(2) Where a requirement is imposed by or under any Act for the use of a form prescribed by rules made under section 144 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, and an appropriate form is contained in Schedule 1 to these Rules, that form or a form to the like effect shall be used.

Hailsham of St. Marylebone, C

Dated 20th March 1981