Can someone tell me when the new rules came into effect?

We visited Sept 2003 under the vws and to be honest, I can't even remember seeing a tick box to ask if you'd ever been arrested! [msneek]

Having read some of the threads on the forum I'm quite concerned that my husband should have had a visa last time we visited. Unfortunately, he has a couple of convictions from about 12 years ago and we are booked to come back to Florida aug 2005 - i gather we will need to apply for a visa for him? will we have enough time and how do we go about it?

Also, can someone please clarify the situation regarding minors. My step-son was not arrested but 'taken in for questioning' on a matter that he (thankfully) had nothing to do with and was released without charge - do we need a visa for him?

Any help much appreciated