Explanatory note

This Order brings into force on 20th July 1987 sections 1, 12 and 14 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 and Schedule 1 to the Act. Section 1 and Schedule 1, which provide for the constitution of the Serious Fraud Office, are by virtue of article 2(2) brought into force for the purposes only of the appointment of the Director of the Office and staff and the doing of other things necessary or expedient for setting up the Office. Section 12 provides for conspiracy to defraud to be charged in circumstances also involving the commission of substantive offences (and conspiracies to commit them) and prescribes a maximum penalty for the offence. Article 2(3) precludes the application of section 12 to conduct occurring before 20th July 1987.

Section 14 makes financial provision consequential upon the enactment of the 1987 Act.