Legislation definitionsHMSO started to publish legislation on its website in 1996. Initially, legislation was only available from that year. In 2000 they took the decision to include older legislation for which they had electronic files. These files dated back to 1988. Prior to 1988, legislation is only available in its original print format.To obtain copies of legislation before this date, then please contact The Stationery Office Limited or 0870 600 5522. Primary legislationActs of Parliament for example, the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Secondary legislationSecondary Legislation is also referred to as statutory instruments (SIs). Statutory instruments are a form of legislation, which allow the provisions of an Act of Parliament to be subsequently brought into force, or altered without Parliament having to pass a new Act through the same passage that primary legislation would have to take. They are also referred to as secondary, delegated or subordinate legislation. Factsheet L7: Legislative Series House of Commons Information Office: Statutory Instruments (PDF, 13 pages) (369k) Statutory guidanceStatutory guidance is issued under primary legislation. For example the Environment Protection Act 1990 statutory guidance document is the Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse. This provides ‘guidance on the discharge of duties under section 89 by establishing reasonable and generally acceptable standards of cleanliness which those under the duty should be capable of meeting.’ |
