EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations make consequential amendments necessary to give effect to the devolution of certain onshore petroleum matters to the Scottish and Welsh Ministers, respectively.
Regulations 1 and 2 come into force on the twenty-first day after the day on which these Regulations are made. Regulation 3 comes into force on the later of the twenty-first day after the day on which these Regulations are made or 1st October 2018.
Regulation 2 makes amendments to section 45A of the Petroleum Act 1998 (c. 20) relating to information and security for abandoned wells consequential on the devolution of onshore petroleum licensing functions to Scottish Ministers under section 48 of the Scotland Act 2016 (c. 11).
Regulation 3 makes similar provision for the devolution of onshore petroleum licensing functions to Welsh Ministers under section 23 of the Wales Act 2017 (c.4), and additionally transfers to Welsh Ministers the functions of the Secretary of State relating to the prosecution of offences under section 45A in respect of onshore petroleum licences in Wales.
A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for these Regulations as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.