Explanatory note

This Order brings into operation a number of provisions of the Administration of Justice Act 1982. Section 15 and Schedule 1 amend the Supreme Court Act 1981 (c. 54), the County Courts Act 1959 (c. 22) and the Arbitration Act 1950 (c. 27), in relation to the powers of the High Court, the County Courts, arbitrators and umpires in England and Wales to award interest on debts, damages and arbitral awards. Section 69 and Schedule 7 make similar amendments to the Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978 (c. 23) and the County Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1980 (S.I. 1980/397 (N.I. 3)). Section 16 amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (c. 18), giving the court power to award interest on certain lump sums in matrimonial proceedings. Section 54 amends the Attachment of Earnings Act 1971 (c. 32) in relation to deductions by employers under attachment of earnings orders. Section 57 amends the Judicial Trustees Act 1896 in relation to accounts of judicial trustees.