Scotland Act 1998 Explanatory Notes

General

This Section reserves all matters relating to the production and use of nuclear energy and related research.  Certain administrative functions in relation to civil nuclear site licences and permits, certain functions regarding liability for nuclear incidents and cover for compensation, and inspection of nuclear sites, which were responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Scotland, are the subject of executive devolution to the Scottish Ministers.  Planning for emergencies at civil nuclear sites is also the responsibility of the Scottish Ministers, but is not governed by legislation.  The reservation is in line with a general reservation of energy matters.

For the avoidance of doubt the current duties of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in relation to the keeping and use of radioactive material other than at licensed nuclear sites, the disposal of radioactive waste and the regulation of non-nuclear activities at nuclear installations, are not reserved.

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