Commentary on Sections Chapter 3: Civil Nuclear Constabulary Section 51 and Schedule 10: The Civil Nuclear Police Authority
180.Section 51 should be read in conjunction with Schedule 10. It establishes the Civil Nuclear Police Authority as a body corporate, and gives the Authority the power to employ persons and to determine their pay and conditions. The Secretary of State will be responsible for appointing the members of the Authority, including the Chairman. The Act does not prescribe the detailed composition of the Authority, but the intention is that membership will consist of independent members and representatives of the civil nuclear industry. The intention is to achieve a balanced membership containing a clear independent element, including members with specialised policing knowledge, whilst retaining representatives of the industry in the majority. The Government intends that the rules on appointment set out by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (“OCPA”) will be followed in making appointments to the Police Authority.
181.The Police Authority will be able to determine the pay and conditions of its employees. The intention is that employees of the Police Authority will be eligible for membership of the UKAEA pension scheme, but there is also power for the Authority, with the Secretary of State’s consent, to set up a new pension scheme for its employees.
182.Part 4 of Schedule 10 sets out the financial arrangements and responsibilities of the Police Authority. It sets a borrowing limit and allows the Secretary of State to guarantee loans, to make grants and determine the financial duties of the Police Authority. In the normal course the Government’s expectation is that the Police Authority will, as now, recover its costs from those to whom it provides services. Provision for grants and borrowing is being made so that large capital items can be provided for in this way if necessary. The Police Authority’s accounts will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, and laid before Parliament.
183.Part 5 of the Schedule makes it clear that the Police Authority is not part of the Crown, and designates it as a public authority for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.