(1)Section 285 of the 1995 Act (proof of previous convictions) shall be amended in accordance with the following provisions of this section.
(2)In subsection (2)—
(a)for the words “or on behalf of the Chief Constable of Strathclyde” there shall be substituted the words “ the Secretary of State or by a person authorised by him to sign such a certificate ”;
(b)for the words “by the person by or on whose behalf the certificate is signed” there shall be substituted the words “ in pursuance of a service provided and maintained by the Secretary of State under or by virtue of section 36 of the M1Police (Scotland) Act 1967 or by or on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis ”.
(3)In subsection (5)—
(a)for the words “or on behalf of the Chief Constable of Strathclyde” there shall be substituted the words “ the Secretary of State or by a person authorised by him to sign such a certificate ”;
(b)for the words “or on behalf of the Chief Constable” there shall be substituted the words “ the Secretary of State or by a person authorised by him to sign such a certificate or by or on behalf of ”.