Explanatory note

This Order brings into force on 1st January 1992 all the provisions of the Armed Forces Act 1991 (the Act) excepting Part III, section 24(3) and associated repeals, and sections 1, 25 and 27 which came into force on enactment.

The provisions of Part II of the Act make amendments relating to the Armed Forces and other persons subject to the Army Act 1955 (c. 18), the Air Force Act 1955 (c. 19) or the Naval Discipline Act 1957 (c. 53) (the Services Acts). They make changes to the sentencing powers of courts-martial and Standing Civilian Courts in respect of young offenders; remove provisions relating to reception orders made by those courts in respect of persons under 17; introduce a power for those courts to award compensation for personal injury; introduce a right to compensation for miscarriage of justice arising out of a conviction by a court-martial, make new provisions as to assignments, charges and court orders in respect of naval and marine pay and pensions etc. and make miscellaneous amendments with respect to procedure and the enforcement of maintenance orders.

The provisions of Part IV apply the Services Acts to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and make minor and consequential amendments and repeals.