Weights and Measures Acts (UK)

Weights and Measures Acts are acts of the British Parliament determining the regulation of weights and measures. It also refers to similar statutes of the kingdoms of England and Scotland and the medieval Welsh states. The earliest of these were originally untitled but were given descriptive glosses or titles based upon the monarch under whose reign they were promulgated. Several omnibus modern acts have the short title "Weights and Measures Act" and are distinguished by the year of their enactment.

Background

There have been many laws concerned with weights and measures in the United Kingdom or parts of it over the last 1,000 or so years. The acts may catalogue lawful weights and measures, prescribe the mechanism for inspection and enforcement of the use of such weights and measures and may set out circumstances under which they may be amended. Modern legislation may, in addition to specific requirements, set out circumstances under which the incumbent minister may amend the legislation by means of statutory instruments. Prior to the Weights and Measures Act 1985, weights and measures acts were only concerned with trade law where the weight or size of the goods being traded was important. The 1985 act, however, had a broader scope, encompassing all aspects covered by the European Economic Community European Commission directive 80/181/EEC.
, the current primary legislation in the United Kingdom is the 1985 act, which was last amended by statutory instrument in 2011. Statutory instruments made under the authority of the act do not amend the act per se , but regulate particular areas covered by the act.
The act is currently enforced by the 200 Trading Standards offices managed by local authorities around the country. Definitions of units of measurements and the technical equipment relating to weights and measures are provided by the National Measurement Office, an agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Statute measure

Historically, many units had various customary definitions—by locality or trade, for example. Where these units also had a standard, legally defined definition, such as given in a weights and measures act, this was known as the statute measure. So a land area might be given as 24 acres—statute measure, to clarify that it was the acre defined in statute, rather than a customary acre of a different size, that was being used. Units that had statute-defined measures as well as customary measures were the acre, mile, perch, pole and ton. The level of legal enforcement of statute measures achieved between the mid nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries meant that only "statute mile" and "statute ton" needed qualifying beyond then. The statute mile still needed to be differentiated from the nautical mile, but the others, and the term "statute measure" itself, are now only used in a historical context.

Metric units of measure

The Weights and Measures Act 1897 provided that metric units could be used in addition to the traditional imperial units for purposes of trade. In practice, the actual choice of units was restricted by price marking orders which listed packaging sizes and pricing structures that might be used in specific circumstances. For example, as of April 2012, wine for consumption on premises may only be sold in 125, 175, and 250 mL glasses while draught beer may only be sold as,, or pint and integer multiples of pint. Prior to 1973, when the United Kingdom joined the EEC, such specifications were almost all in imperial units.
As part of its attempt to harmonise units of measure between the member states of its Internal Market, the European Commission issued directive 80/181/EEC which set out the units of measure that should be used for what it called "economic, public health, public safety, and administrative" purposes. To comply with this directive, the Weights and Measures Act 1985 extended the scope of Trading Standards responsibilities from just matters related to trade to all aspects of the directive. For example, it was the Trading Standards Office that criticised the use of sub-standard weighing machines in NHS hospitals.
To help ease the EC's desired transition from sole use of imperial units to sole use of metric units, the directive permitted the use of what were termed "supplementary indicators"—the continued use of imperial units alongside the metric units catalogued by the directive. The initial intention was to prohibit dual labelling after the end of 1989, with metric units only being allowed after that date. This deadline was later extended: first to the end of 1999, then to the end of 2009. Finally, in 2007, the European Union and the EC confirmed that the UK would be permitted to continue indefinitely to use imperial units such as pints, miles, pounds and ounces as at present. The Gloucestershire County Council Trading Standards Department confirmed the EU ruling that the previous deadline for ending dual labelling had been abolished.
There are still a few cases where imperial units are required to be used and where metric units are not permitted within the scope of the Weights and Measures Act, such as the pint for the sale of draught beer and cider, and miles and yards for distances on road signage. Milk in returnable containers may be sold by the pint and the troy ounce may be used for the sale of precious metals. In addition, British law specifies which non-metric units may be used with dual labelling.

England

Acts of the Witenagemot

Numerous acts of the Saxon kings are known to have been lost. Those that have survived include:

10th century

2 Edgar c. 8 :
The statute also survives in a few other Old English and Latin copies, some which omit mention of London and describe "the measure held at Winchester", an indication that a standard ell or yard was nominally in use:
John Quincy Adams's 1821 report on the history of English weights and measures notes of this act that "it was never observed".

Acts of the Royal Council

11th century

3 William I c. 7 :

12th century

9 Richard I c. 27 :

Acts of Parliament

Statutes of uncertain date

The statutes of uncertain date are generally dated to the mid-to-late 13th century.
;The Assize of Bread and Ale
;Statutum de Pistoribus, et cetera
;Tractatus de Ponderibus et Mensuris

13th century

9 Henry III c. 25 :
One measure of Wine shall be through our Realm, and one measure of Ale, and one measure of Corn, that is to say, the Quarter of London; and one breadth of dyed Cloth, Russets, and Haberjects, that is to say, two Yards within the lists. And it shall be of Weights as it is of Measures.

14th century

; 14 Edw. 3 Stat. 1. c. 12
; 18 Edw. 3 Stat. 2. c. 4
; 25 Edw. 3 Stat. 5. c. 9
; 25 Edw. 3 Stat. 5. c. 10
; 27 Edw. 3 Stat. 2. c. 10
; 31 Edw. 3 Stat. 1. c. 2
; 4 Ric. 2. c. 1
; 13 Ric. 2. Stat. 1. c. 9
; 15 Ric. 2. c. 4.
; 16 Ric. 2. c. 3.

15th century

1 Hen. 5. c. 10,
2 Hen. 5. Stat. 2. c. 4
8 Hen. 6. c. 5
18 Hen. 6. c. 16
18 Hen. 6. c. 17
11 Hen. 7. c. 4
12 Hen. 7. c. 5

16th century

; Verdict of the Pyx 18 Henry VIII
23 Hen. 8. c. 4
24 Hen. 8. c. 3
24 Hen. 8. c. 4
5 & 6 Edw. 6. c. 6
4 & 5 Ph. & M. c. 5. par. IX
23 Eliz. 1. c. 8
35 Eliz. 1. c. 6
35 Eliz. 1. c. 10. par. III

17th century

16 Cha. 1. c. 19
22 Cha. 2 c. 8
22 & 23 Cha. 2. c. 12
;8 & 9 Will. 3 c. 22. s. 9

18th century

11 Will. 3. c. 15
1 Ann. c. 9

Great Britain

Acts of Parliament

18th century

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19th century

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Citation	Short title	Description	Extent of repeal
Stat. Temp. Incert. Assisa Panis et Cervisie	Assisa Panis et Cervisie	Certain ancient Statutes or Ordinances made previous to the Reign of King Edward the Third, but being of uncertain Date, intituled or known by the Names or Descriptions following: "Assisa Panis et Cervisiæ" or " The Assize of Bread and Ale".	The whole act.
Stat. Temp. Incert. Statutum de Pistoribus, etc.	Statutum de Pistoribus, etc.	Certain ancient Statutes or Ordinances made previous to the Reign of King Edward the Third, but being of uncertain Date, intituled or known by the Names or Descriptions following: "Statutum de Pistoribus, et cetera" or "Statute concerning Bakers, et cetera".	The whole act.
Stat. Temp. Incert. Weights and Measures Act 1303	Weights and Measures Act 1303	Certain ancient Statutes or Ordinances made previous to the Reign of King Edward the Third, but being of uncertain Date, intituled or known by the Names or Descriptions following: "Assisa de Ponderibus et Mensuris" or "Tractatus de Ponderibus" or "Compositio de Ponderibus" or "Assize of Weights and Measures".	The whole act.
Stat. Temp. Incert. Statutum de Admensuratione Terre	Statutum de Admensuratione Terre	Certain ancient Statutes or Ordinances made previous to the Reign of King Edward the Third, but being of uncertain Date, intituled or known by the Names or Descriptions following: "Statutum de Admensuratione Terræ" or "Statute for the measuring of Land".	The whole act.
14 Edw. 3. c. 12	Measures and weights	So much of a Statute made in the Fourteenth Year of the Reign of King Edward the Third, as relates to the making of Bushels and Weights, and sending the same into every Country.	The whole act.
14 Edw. 3. c. 21	Taxation, etc.	So much of the said last-mentioned Statute.	As directs that the Sack of Wool ought to contain Twenty-six Stones, and every Stone Fourteen Pounds.
18 Edw. 3. Stat. 2. c. 4	Weights and measures	So much of a Statute made in the 18 E.3. st. 2. Eighteenth Year of the Reign of the said King Edward the Third, as c.4. relates to Commissioners to assay Weights and Measures	The whole act.
25 Edw. 3. Stat. 5. c. 9	Weights	So much of a Statute made in the Parliament summoned at Westminster on the Feast of Saint Hilary, in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of the said King Edward the Third.	As relates to Auncel Weight, and the Weight of the Sack of Wool.
25 Edw. 3. Stat. 5. c. 10	Measures	So much of a Statute made in the Parliament summoned at Westminster on the Feast of Saint Hilary, in the Twenty-fifth Year of the Reign of the said King Edward the Third, as relates to the Bushel, Half Bushel, Peck, Gallon, Pottle, and Quart, and to the Quarter and Measure of Corn.	The whole act.
27 Edw. 3. Stat. 2. c. 10	There shall be but one weight, measure and yard through the realm.	So much of the Statute or Ordinance of the Staples, made in the Twenty-seventh Year of the Reign of the said King Edward the Third, as relates to the Uniformity of Weights and Measures throughout the Realm.	The whole act.
31 Edw. 3. Stat. 1. c. 2	Wool Act 1357	A Statute made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of King Edward the Third.	As relates to the regulating the Price and Weight of Wools.
31 Edw. 3. Stat. 1. c. 5	Wine	A Statute made in the Thirty-first Year of the Reign of King Edward the Third, as relates to the Tun of Wine and the gauging thereof.	The whole act.
34 Edw. 3. c. 5	Weights and Measures Act 1361	A Statute made in the Thirty-fourth Year of the Reign of King Edward the Third, whereby Justices of the Peace are empowered to inquire of Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
4 Ric. 2. c. 1	Gauging of vessels of wine, etc.	A Statute made in the Fourth Year of the Reign of King Richard the Second, as relates to the gauging of Vessels of Wine, Honey, Oil, and other Liquors brought into the Realm.	The whole act.
13 Ric. 2. Stat. 1. c. 9	Weights and Measures Act 1389	A Statute made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of King Richard the Second.	As relates to the regulating of Weights and Measures, and to the buying and selling of Wool at Fourteen Pounds the Stone.
15 Ric. 2. c. 4	Measures	A Statute made in the Fifteenth Year of the Reign of King Richard the Second, as relates to Weights and Measures of Corn, Wine, Ale, and Malt.	The whole act.
16 Ric. 2. c. 3	Weights and Measures Act 1392	A Statute made in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of King Richard the Second.	As relates to the Clerk of the Market, and the Assay of Weights and Measures made by him, and the using such Weights and Measures.
1 Hen. 5. c. 10	Corn Measure Act 1413	A Statute made in the First Year of the Reign of King Henry the Fifth, as concerns the true Measure Corn, or as is intituled An Act concerning the true Measure of Corn.	The whole act.
2 Hen. 6. c. 14	Measures Act 1423	A Statute made in the Second Year of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the several Measures of Vessels of Wine, Eels, Herrings, and Salmon.	The whole act.
8 Hen. 6. c. 5	Weights, etc. Act 1429	A Statute made in the Eighth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the confirming and amending former Statutes concerning Weights and Measures, and requiring common Balances and Weights to be kept in all Cities, Boroughs, and Towns.	The whole act.
9 Hen. 6. c. 6	Weights	Statute made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the explaining the said Statute of the Eighth Year of King Henry the Sixth, concerning Weights and Measures, so far as relates to the Burgesses of Dorchester .	The whole act.
9 Hen. 6. c. 8	Weight of a Wey of Cheese	The said Statute made in the Ninth Year of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the Weight of a Wey of Cheese.	The whole act.
11 Hen. 6. c. 8	Weights and Measures Act 1433	A Statute made in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the confirming and amending former Statutes concerning Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
18 Hen. 6. c. 17	Vessels of Wine, etc. Act 1439	A Statute made in the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, as relates to the gauging of Vessels of Wine, Oyl, and Honey.	The whole act.
22 Edw. 4. c. 2	Fish Act 1482	A Statute made in the Twenty-second Year of King Edward the Fourth, as relates to the packing of Barrelled Fish, or as is intitutled An Act for packing of Barrelled Fish.	The whole act.
1 Ric. 3. c. 13	Vessels of Wine, etc. Act 1483	The Whole of an Act made in the First Year of the Reign of King Richard the Third, intituled An Act to ascertain the Contents of Keels of Tyme and Oil, or An Act for the Contents of a Butt of Malmsey.	The whole act.
7 Hen. 7. c. 37 Hen. 7. c. 4	Weights and Measures Act 1491	An Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, intituled An Act for Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
7 Hen. 7. c. 77 Hen. 7. c. 8	Customs Act 1491	Another Act made in the same Seventh Year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, intituled An Act to pay Custom for every Butt of Malmsey.	The whole act.
11 Hen. 7. c. 4	Weights and Measures Act 1495	An Act made in the Eleventh Year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, intituled An Act for Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
12 Hen. 7. c. 5	Weights and Measures Act 1496	An Act made in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, intituled An Act for Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
23 Hen. 8. c. 4	Brewers and Coopers Act 1531	An Act made in the Twenty-third Year of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, intituled An Act that no Brewers of Beer or Ale shall make their Barrels, Kilderkins, or Firkins within them, and how much the same Barrels, et cetera, shall contain.	The whole act.
24 Hen. 8. c. 6	Sale of Wines Act 1532	An Act made in the Twenty-fourth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, intituled An Act concerning Sale of Wines.	The whole act.
12 Eliz. 1. c. 3	N/A	An Act made in the Parliament of Ireland in the Twenty-eighth Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled An Act for the establishing the Standard of Measures for Corn within certain Shires of this Realm.	The whole act.
13 Eliz. 1. c. 11	Navigation Act 1571	An Act made in the Thirteenth Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled An Act for the Maintenance of the Navigation.	As relates to the Assize of Herring Barrels.
23 Eliz. 1. c. 8	Wax Act 1580	An Act made in the Twenty-third Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, intituled An Act touching the true making, making and working of Wax.	As relates to the Barrel, Kilderkin, or Firkin of Honey.
43 Eliz. 1. c. 14	Assise of Fuel Act 1601	The Whole of an Act, made in the Forty-third Year of Queen Elizabeth, intituled An Act concerning the Assize of Fuel	The whole act.
16 Cha. 1. c. 19	Clerk of the Market Act 1640	An Act made in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of King Charles the First, intituled An Act for the better ordering and regulating of the Office of Clerk of the Market, allowed and confirmed by this Statute; and for the Reformation of false Weights and Measures.	The whole act.
12 Cha. 2. c. 23	Excise Act 1660	An Act made in the Twelfth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled A Grant of certain Impositions upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors, for the Increase of His Majesty's Revenue during his Life.	As relates to the Contents of the Barrel of Beer and Ale.
22 Cha. 2. c. 8	Measures Act 1670	An Act made in the Twenty-second Year of the Reign of King Charles the Second, intituled An Act for ascertaining the Measures of Corn and Salt.	The whole act.
22 & 23 Cha. 2. c. 12	Measures Act 1670	An Act made in the Parliament holden in the Twenty-second and Twenty-third Years of the Reign of the said King Charles the Second, intituled An additional Act for ascertaining the Measures of Corn and Salt.	The whole act.
1 Will. & Mar. c. 241 Will. & Mar. Sess. 1. c. 24	Excise Act 1688	An Act made in the First Year of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary, intituled An Act for an additional Duty of Excise upon Beer or Ale and other Liquors.	As relates to the Contents of the Barrel of Beer and Ale.
5 & 6 Will. & Mar. c. 75 Will. & Mar. c. 7	House of Commons Act 1693	An Act made in the Fifth and Sixth Years of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary, made, among other Things, for granting to their Majesties certain Rates and Duties upon Salt, and upon Beer, Ale, and other Liquors.	As relates to the Weight or Measure of Salt.
7 Will. 3. c. 24	N/A	An Act made in the Seventh Year of the Reign of King William the Third, for the better regulating of Measures in and throughout that Kingdom.	The whole act.
7 & 8 Will. 3. c. 31	Taxation, etc. Act 1695	An Act made in the Seventh and Eighth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, made, among other Things, for continuing to His Majesty certain Duties upon Salt, Glass Wares, and Earthen Wares.	As relates to the Measure and Weight of Salt.
9 Will. 3. c. 69 & 10 Will. 3. c. 6	Sale of Salt Act 1697	An Act made in the Ninth and Tenth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, intituled An Act that all Retailers of Salt shall sell by Weight.	The whole act.
10 Will. 3. c. 2110 & 11 Will. 3. c. 21	Taxation Act 1698	An Act made in the Tenth and Eleventh Years of the Reign of King William the Third, made, among other Things, for levying further Duties upon Sweets, and for lessening the Duties, as well upon Vinegar as upon certain Low Wines.	As relates to the Contents of a Barrel of Vinegar, Vinegar Beer, or Liquor preparing for Vinegar.
10 Will. 3. c. 2210 & 11 Will. 3. c. 22	Taxation Act 1698	Another Act made in the same Tenth and Eleventh Years of the Reign of the said King William the Third, intituled An Act for in the more full and effectual charging of the Duties upon Rock Salt.	As relates to the Weight or Measure of Rock Salt.
11 Will. 3. c. 1511 & 12 Will. 3. c. 15	Ale Measures Act 1698	An Act made in the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of King William the Third, intituled An Act for the ascertaining the Measures for retailing Ale and Beer.	The whole act.
1 Ann. c. 91 Ann. St. 1. c. 15	Water Measure of Fruit Act 1702	An Act made in the First Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled An Act to c.15. ascertain the Water Measure of Fruit	The whole act.
1 Ann. c. 151 Ann. St. 1. c. 21	Salt Duties, etc. Act 1702	An made in the same First Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled An Act for preventing Frauds in the Duties upon Salt, and for the better Payment of Debentures at the Custom House.	As relates to the Weight and Measure of Foreign Salt and Rock Salt.
2 Ann. c. 17	N/A	An Act made in the Second Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, for supplying the Defects of the hereinbefore recited Act, passed in the Parliament of Ireland in the Seventh Year of the Reign of King William the Third.	The whole act.
5 Ann. c. 156 Ann. c. 21	Taxation Act 1706	An Act made in the Fifth and Sixth Years of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled An Act for continuing several Subsidies, Impositions, and Duties, and for making Provisions therein mentioned, to raise Money by way of Loan for the Service of the War, and other Her Majesty's necessary and important Occasions; and for ascertaining the Wine Measure.	As relates to the Contents of the Gallon, Tun, Butt, Pipe, and Hogshead of Wine.
9 Ann. c. 6	Lotteries Act 1710	An Act made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, made, among in part. other Things, for reviving, continuing, and appropriating certain Duties upon several Commodities to be exported, and certain Duties upon Coals to be waterborne and carried coastwise.	As relates to the Chaldron or Chalder and Bushel of Coals.
9 Ann. c. 209 Ann. c. 15	Assise of Fuel Act 1710	An Act made in the said Ninth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, for making more effectual the herein-before recited Act of the Forty-third Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, concerning the Assize of Fuel.	The whole act.
10 Ann. c. 510 Ann. c. 6	Assise of Fuel Act 1711	An Act made in the Tenth Year of the Reign of Queen Anne, intituled An Act for explaining and altering the Laws now in being concerning the Assizes of Fuel, so far as they relate to the Assize of Billet made or to be made of Beech Wood only.	The whole act.
1 Geo. 2. c. 21	N/A	An Act made in the in part. First Year of the Reign of King George the Second, intituled An Act for preventing Combinations to enhance the Prices, and for avoiding Exactions and Abuses formerly practised in the Sale and Measure of Coals.	As relates to the Dimensions of the Half Barrel, Bushel, Half Bushel, Peck, or Half Peck of Coals.
8 Geo. 2. c. 12	Salt Duties, etc. Act 1734	An Act made in the Eighth Year of the Reign of King George the Second, made, among other Things, for granting and continuing the Duties upon Salt and upon Red and White Herrings.	As relates to the Computation of the Distance in Miles between the Pits and Refineres of Rock Salt.
9 Geo. 2. c. 9	N/A	An Act made in the Ninth Year of the Reign of King George the Second, intituled An Act for the ascertaining the Gauge and the Meаsure of Barrels and Half Barrels used by Brewers in selling Beer, Ale, and Small Beer.	The whole act.
24 Geo. 2. c. 31	Linen and Hempen Manufactures Act 1750	The Statute made in the Twenty-fourth Year of the Reign of King George the Second, intituled An Act for explaining, amending, and enforcing an Act passed in the Thirteenth Year of His late Majesty's Reign, intituled& An Act for the better Regulation of the Linen and Hempen Maпufactures in that Part of Great Britain called Scotland, and for further regulating and encouraging the said Manufactures.	As relates to the Weight of Hemp or Flax.
26 Geo. 3. c. 35	N/A	An Act made in the Twenty-sixth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, for preventing Frauds in the Measurement of Lime.	The whole act.
38 Geo. 3. c. 89	Salt Duties Act 1798	An Act made in the Thirty-eighth Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, intituled An Act for transferring the Management of the Salt Duties to the Commissioners of Excise, and for repealing the Duties on Salt, and the Drawbacks, Allowances, and Bounties thereon.	As relates to the Weight of a Bushel of Salt.
43 Geo. 3. c. 69	Excise Act 1803	An Act made in the Forty-third Year of the Reign of His late Majesty King George the Third, intituled An Act to repeal the Duties of Excise payable in Great Britain, and to grant other Duties in lieu thereof.	As relates to he Quart, Gallon, and Barrel of Beer or Ale.

Section 24 of the act provided that nothing in the act would repeal the Westminster Act 1757
The qualified terms of repeal led to led to several acts being repealed by later Statute Law Revision Acts, including:

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The act extended the commencement of the Weights and Measures Act 1824, and the associated repeals of enactments by that act, from 1 May 1825 to 1 January 1826.
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' 5 & 6 Will. 4. c. 63
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The majority of the act was repealed for Great Britain by section 63 of, and part I of schedule 9 to, the Weights and Measures Act 1963, namely:
The whole act except sections 62 and 86 and so much of schedule 6 as relates to section of the Weights and Measures Act 1859
In section 86, the words from provided that onwards.
In the said section as set out in Schedule 6, the words from “and shall have” to “ situate ”’.
Schedule 6 to the act was repealed by section 44 of, and part II of schedule 7 to, the Weights and Measures Act 1979.
Section 62 and the proviso to section 86, so far as unrepealed, were repealed by section 1 of, part XVII of schedule 1 to, the Statute Law Act 1977
The whole act was repealed for Northern Ireland by the
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