In section 3 of the Attachment of Earnings Act 1971 (application for attachment of earnings order and conditions of court’s power to make it), in subsection (1) (persons who may apply for order), in paragraph (c) for the words “section 59(1)” there shall be substituted “section 59”.

Subsection (2) of that section (application, other than by debtor, for attachment of earnings order to secure maintenance payments not to be made unless at least 15 days have elapsed since maintenance order made) shall cease to have effect.

At the beginning of subsection (3) of that section (attachment of earnings order not to be made, other than on application of debtor, unless one or more payments have not been made) there shall be inserted the words “Subject to subsection (3A) below”.

After that subsection there shall be inserted the following subsection—

In subsection (4) of that section (power of court to make attachment of earnings order where certain enforcement proceedings brought), the words “subject to subsection (5) below” shall cease to have effect.

Subsection (5) of that section (attachment of earnings order not to be made, other than on application of debtor, if debtor’s failure to make payments is not due to his wilful refusal or culpable neglect) shall cease to have effect.