Acts of Parliament (Expiration) Act 1808

Whereas bills for the continuing of Acts in force only for a limited time have sometimes not passed before the expiration of the Act intended to be continued, and great inconvenience may arise therefrom: Where any bill may have been or shall be introduced into this present or any future session of Parliament for the continuance of any Act which would expire in such sessions, and such Act shall have expired before the bill for continuing the same shall have received the royal assent, such continuing Act shall be deemed and taken to have effect from the date of the expiration of the Act intended to be continued as fully and effectually, to all intents and purposes, as if such continuing Act had actually passed before the expiration of such Act, except it shall be otherwise especially provided in such continuing Act; Provided nevertheless, that nothing herein contained shall extend or be construed to extend to affect any person or persons with any punishment, penalty, or forfeiture whatsoever, by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person or persons contrary to the provisions of the Act so continued, between the expiration of the same and the date at which the Act continuing the same may have received or shall receive the royal assent.