51.This section makes provision about the service of documents. It expands the current service by post provisions (paragraph 4 of Schedule 1 to the Interpretation Order) and sets down a default rule for service of documents. It applies whenever an ASP or Scottish instrument authorises or requires a document to be served on a person. As the words in brackets in subsection (1) indicate, nothing turns on the verb used.
52.Subsection (2) sets out three ways in which a document can be served: personal delivery; post (registered or recorded); and, if agreed, in writing, in advance with the recipient, using “electronic communications” (such as email).
53.Subsection (5) provides that where a document is served by post, on an address within the United Kingdom, it is taken to have been received 48 hours after it is sent. Similarly when a document is served using electronic communications, it is also taken to have been received 48 hours after it is sent. These are rebuttable presumptions given the potential difficulties with postal service and problems which may arise with delivery by service providers/internet for email.