Schedule 23: Legislation no longer of practical use Atomic Energy Act 1946
915.Paragraph 14 repeals sections 6 and 7 of the Atomic Energy Act 1946. Section 6 enabled the Secretary of State to carry out work on any land to discover whether minerals from which “prescribed substances” can be obtained are present and section 7 conferred the power compulsorily to acquire the exclusive right to work such minerals. “Prescribed substances”, as defined, include uranium, plutonium and other substances prescribed by order which can be used for the production or use of atomic energy or research. Exploration in the United Kingdom for uranium has occurred on a small number of occasions, returning sub-economic yields. It is unclear whether the provisions have ever been relied upon and the United Kingdom no longer needs to search for these substances as it has a steady supply from politically stable countries.
916.Paragraph 15 makes minor amendments consequential on the repeals in paragraph 14.
917.The repeals and consequential amendments form part of the law of England and Wales and Scotland and will come into force at the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the day on which the Act is passed.