Member

I turn now to clauses 14 and 15. The Bill refers to these as “Miscellaneous minor amendments”. Be that as it may, they offer a few important points of clarification and efficiency. Clause 14 amends sections 32 and 45 of the 1996 Act, which allow arbitrating parties to apply for a preliminary court ruling on jurisdiction or a point of law. Under clause 14, such an application will require either the agreement of the parties or the permission of the tribunal. It removes the further requirement to satisfy the court on a list of matters—in other words, it streamlines the process. Clause 15 will repeal sections 85 and 97 of the Arbitration Act 1996. These both relate to domestic arbitration provisions, but neither was ever brought into force.