Atomic Energy Act 1946

18 Definitions

(1) In this Act the following expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, that is to say—

• " atomic energy " means the energy released from atomic nuclei as a result of any process, including the fission process, but does not include energy released in any process of natural transmutation or radio-active decay which is not accelerated or influenced by external means :

• " minerals " includes all substances obtained or obtainable from the soil by underground or surface working ;

• " plant " includes any machinery, equipment or appliance, whether affixed" to land or not;

• " prescribed substance " means uranium, thorium, plutonium, neptunium or any of their respective compounds or any such other substance as the Minister may by order prescribe, being a substance which in his opinion is or may be used for the production or use of atomic energy or research into matters connected therewith.

(2) Any reference in this Act to articles shall be construed as including a reference to substances, vehicles, vessels and animals and also as including a reference to electricity.

(3) Any reference in this Act to the working of minerals shall be construed as including a reference to the getting, carrying away, sorting and treating of minerals.

(4) Any reference in this Act to the production or use of atomic energy shall be construed as including a reference to the carrying out of any process preparatory or ancillary to such production or use.