Section 5: Informal powers

5. Informal powers (1) (a) Any person may apply to a Magistrate for advice, guidance, or help in the settlement, out of Court, of a dispute arising, or which is likely to arise, in respect of a matter within the jurisdiction of the Court, even though no action has been entered or complaint made. (b) The Magistrate shall freely give his advice, guidance or help to any person who applies to him under paragraph (a), and shall use his best endeavours to secure a settlement, out of Court, between the parties to an existing or likely dispute. (c) Where the parties reach a settlement, out of Court, the terms of the settlement shall be drawn up in a memorandum which shall be signed by the Magistrate and signed or marked by the parties, and thereupon the memorandum shall have the same effect as if it were a judgment of the Court. (2) A Magistrate may, at any time, offer his advice, guidance, or help to any person if he considers that such a course is desirable to promote good industrial relations.