Section 31 Abrogation of rules as to lapse.
(1)
Without prejudice to the provisions of section 16 of this Measure, any rule of law whereby the right of patronage of a benefice lapses to a bishop or archbishop or to Her Majesty in right of Her Crown shall cease to have effect.
(2)
Nothing in this section shall affect any right of presentation which on a vacancy in a benefice is exercisable by Her Majesty—
(a)
by reason of the appointment to a diocesan bishopric of the incumbent of the benefice concerned, or
(b)
by reason of a vacancy in the see of a diocesan bishop who is a registered patron of the benefice concerned.