Representation of the People Act 1983
57.—(1) The Representation of the People Act 1983(1) is amended as follows.
(2) In section 63(3)(d) (offence of breach of official duty) for the word “postmaster” are substituted the words “official designated by a universal postal service provider”.
(3) In section 184(2) (service of notices) for the words “the Post Office” are substituted the words “the postal operator (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000) concerned”.
(4) In section 202(1) (general provisions as to interpretation), at the appropriate place, is inserted—
““universal postal service provider” means a universal service provider (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000);”.
(5) In Part IV of Schedule 1 (parliamentary election rules), in rule 51 (return of writ)—
(a)in paragraph (3) for the words “the postmaster” to the end are substituted the words “an official designated for that purpose by a universal postal service provider who is providing a universal postal service (within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000) for the area in which the election is being held or to his deputy, provided that the official or deputy is at that time within the area concerned.”; and
(b)in paragraph (4) for the words “The postmaster” are substituted the words “The designated official”.
(6) In Part V of Schedule 1, in rule 55(2)(b) (delivery of documents to Clerk of the Crown)—
(a)for the words “the postmaster or deputy postmaster”, where they appear for the first time, are substituted the words “the official designated by the universal postal service provider or the deputy of that official”; and
(b)for the words “the postmaster or deputy postmaster”, where they appear for the second time, are substituted the words “the official or deputy”.
1983 c. 2. Section 63 was substituted by section 24 of, and paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to, the Representation of the People Act 1985 (c. 50.). The Schedule contains many amendments not relevant to this Order.