Insertion of definitions and interpretation provisions6.

(1)

Section 277 of the 1997 Act (interpretation) is amended as follows.

(2)

In subsection (1), insert the following definitions:–

““address”, in relation to electronic communications, means any number or address used for the purposes of such communications;

“electronic communication” has the same meaning as in the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (c. 7);”.

(3)

After subsection (4), insert–

“(4A)

Where an electronic communication is used for the purpose of serving on, or giving to, a person any notice or other document for the purposes of this Act, and the communication is received by that person–

(a)

at any time before the end of a day which is a working day, it shall be deemed to have been received on that day; or

(b)

at any time during a day which is not a working day, it shall be deemed to be received on the next working day,

and in this subsection “working day” means a day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, Christmas Eve, a bank holiday in Scotland under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 19714, a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning or any other day which is a local or public holiday in an area in which the electronic communication is received.”.