CHAPTER 4 - Legislation and Administration

Abstract

This chapter presents a chronological account of the legislative and administrative framework that has evolved in Britain to control the hazards associated with nuclear reactors. The early development of nuclear power was at first under the unified control of a government department and later was under the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. When it became clear that nuclear power was a practical source of heat for the generation of electricity and was adopted by the Electricity Generating Boards, the number of bodies associated with the control of nuclear power began to proliferate. An inspectorate was established to license reactors. Several ministries had responsibilities for other aspects of nuclear power such as authorizing the discharge of radioactive material into the atmosphere and approving the transportation of radioactive material. Advisory committees were established to advise ministers on the acceptability of various aspects of nuclear power. Thus, responsibility for control of the hazards associated with nuclear power was not unified for long.