The Arbitration Act 1996 (Commencement No.1) Order 1996
With one exception, this Order brings into force the provisions of the Arbitration Act 1996. Those provisions necessary to enable the substantive provisions to be brought into force are commenced immediately. The substantive provisions come into force on 31st January 1997. Commencement is subject to transitional provisions designed to ensure continuity of legal proceedings and to preserve the current law on what are known as “honourable engagement” clauses in relation to existing agreements.