Commentary on Sections Part 8: Civil Nuclear Security Section 78 Repeals relating to security of civil nuclear installations
159.This repeals certain provisions which are no longer needed.
160.Subsection (1) repeals paragraphs 5 and 6 of Schedule 1 to the Nuclear Installations Act 1965. Paragraph 5 gives the Secretary of State powers to issue directions to certain designated nuclear operating bodies (BNFL, UKAEA, and later Urenco Ltd). This is the basis of the current system of nuclear security regulation at sites other than nuclear generating stations. This system has been replaced by the regulations which made under section 77.
161.Paragraph 6 has become redundant. It provided a safeguard for employees in the bodies listed above through requiring the Minister’s consent to be obtained before dismissing an employee on security grounds. In recent years however, the appeal procedures established under the security vetting system have replaced the need for this provision.
162.Subsection (2) amends section 19(1) of the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1971 to reflect the changes in subsection 1.