EXPLANATORY NOTE
These Regulations contain repeals and modifications of provisions of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 and a modification of the Nuclear Installations (Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations 1965. They are made in consequence of the establishment on 1st January 1975 of the Health and Safety Executive and the coming into operation on that date of provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which supersede or affect provisions of the 1965 Act and the 1965 Regulations.
In particular:—
(a)they transfer functions under the 1965 Act connected with the licensing of nuclear sites from the Secretary of State to the Health and Safety Executive;
(b)they transfer functions relating to the execution of certain provisions of the 1965 Act from inspectors appointed under that Act to inspectors appointed by the Health and Safety Executive, and modify the powers of inspectors appointed under the 1965 Act to assist the Secretary of State in the execution of the remaining provisions of that Act;
(c)they substitute the Health and Safety Executive as an authority to which reports of dangerous occurrences must be made, and repeal the Secretary of State's powers to direct special reports and inquiries into such occurrences, which are superseded by the power of the Health and Safety Commission to direct investigations and inquiries under Section 14 of the 1974 Act;
(d)they increase the penalties for certain offences under the 1965 Act committed on or after 1st January 1975 and apply penalties prescribed by the 1974 Act to certain other such offences;
(e)they make consequential modifications in the power of the Secretary of State to recover certain expenses from the holders of nuclear site licences.