146Meaning of may and must

146 Meaning of may and must (1) In an Act or statutory instrument, the word may, or a similar term, used in relation to a function indicates that the function may be exercised or not exercised, at discretion. (2) In an Act or statutory instrument, the word must, or a similar term, used in relation to a function indicates that the function is required to be exercised. (3) This section is a determinative provision so far as it applies to an applicable law or an applicable provision.

after the application date. applicable provision means a provision inserted after the application date into an Act or statutory instrument that is not an applicable law. application date means— (a) for an Act, subordinate law or disallowable instrument— 1 January 2000; and (b) for any other statutory instrument—1 January 2006.