s 2
(1) The Secretary of State may, in the circumstances and to the extent specified in subsection (2) below, by order vary any of the maximum amounts of candidates’ election expenses specified : in . the following : provisions we of the Representation . of the People Act 1949 :— (a) section 64(2)(a) (parliamentary elections); (b) section 64(2)(b) (certain local government elections); (c) section 167(4) (ward elections); (d) section 167(5) (elections by liverymen in common hall). (2) The Secretary of State may vary a maximum amount mentioned in subsection (1) above where in his opinion there has been a change in the value of money since the last occasion on which that amount was varied by order under subsection (1) or, where the amount has not previously been so varied— (a) since the passing of this Act in the case of an amount specified in section 64(2)(a) or 167(5) of the Act of 1949, or (b) since the 30th March 1977 in the case of an amount specified in section 64(2)(b) or 167(4) of the Act of 1949, and the variation shall be such as in the opinion of the Secretary of State is justified by that change. (3) An order under subsection (1) above shall not be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament. (4) The power to make an order under subsection (1) above shall be exercisable by statutory instrument and includes power to revoke or vary an order so made.