Explanatory note

This Order in Council amends the Crown Office (Forms and Proclamations Rules) Order 1992 in two respects.

First, since the entry into force of section 76 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22), the Lord Mayor and aldermen of the City of London are no longer justices by virtue only of their offices. From 1st April 2001 the City of London commission area will form a part of the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority. The form for Commissions of the Peace for the City of London is accordingly revoked, and amendments are made to the form of Commissions of the Peace for Greater London.

Secondly, since the entry into force of the House of Lords Act 1999 (c. 34), the grant of a hereditary peerage no longer automatically carries with it the right to sit and vote in the House of Lords. This has necessitated amendments to the forms of Letters Patent creating such peerages, and to the forms for signifying Royal Assent.