Reserve Forces Act 1996

37Interpretation of Part IV

(1)In this Part—

• “authorised officer” means an officer authorised by or in accordance with directions of the Defence Council for the purposes of this Part;

• “call-out notice” means a notice under section 32(1);

• “service under this Part” and“service” mean permanent service on being called out under this Part;

• “qualifying employment” means employment under a contract of service which normally involves employment for 14 hours or more weekly (and“new qualifying employment” shall be construed in accordance with section 30(7)); and

• “special agreement” means a written agreement by which a person accepts the obligations mentioned in section 28(1).

(2)This Part shall have effect in relation to any member of a reserve force who is a Crown servant as if he were employed under a contract of service with such person as may be specified in directions of the Secretary of State as his employer for the purposes of this Part.

(3)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision as to when a contract of service is to be treated for the purposes of this Part as normally involving or not involving employment for 14 hours or more weekly.

(4)Regulations under subsection (3) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(5)The Secretary of State may by order amend the definition of “qualifying employment” and subsection (3) so as to substitute, for the number of hours for the time being specified, such number (not being more than 14) as is specified in the order.

(6)An order under subsection (5) shall be made by statutory instrument; but no such instrument shall be made unless a draft of it has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.