Adaptation of enactments to metric unitsN.I.
20.—(1) The Department may by regulations subject to negative resolution amend any enactment to which this Article applies—
(a)by substituting an amount, quantity or rate expressed in metric units for an amount, quantity or rate not so expressed; or
(b)by substituting an expression which is compatible with the use of metric units for an expression that has reference to a non-metric unit (for example “acreage”).
(2) This Article applies to the following enactments, that is to say—
(a)the provisions of the Acts mentioned in Schedule 1 which are specified in the third column of that Schedule;
(b)any other provision contained in an enactment (whenever passed), being a provision whose subject-matter is akin to that of any of the provisions so specified.
(3) Any amendment made in an enactment by regulations under this Article shall be such as to preserve the effect of the enactment except to such extent as in the opinion of the Department is necessary to obtain amounts, quantities or rates expressed in convenient and suitable terms.
(4) Before making any regulations under this Article the Department shall consult such organisations as appear to it appropriate as representing any interests concerned.
(5) Regulations under this Article may contain such incidental, supplemental and consequential provisions as the Department considers expedient.
(6) In this Article “enactment” means any provision of a public general Act, of a local, private or personal Act, of a provisional order confirmed by an Act, of a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly, or of any Order in Council, order or warrant (other than an Order made or a warrant issued by a court), scheme, rule, regulation or bye-law made or having effect under an Act.