5 Power of entry and inspection.U.K.
(1)[F1Subject to subsection (1A)] any person authorised by the Minister may, on producing, if so required, some duly authenticated document showing his authority, enter any premises where he has reasonable grounds for believing that work is being carried out for the purpose of or in connection with the production or use of atomic energy or research into matters connected therewith, or that any of the prescribed substances, or any minerals from which any such substance can be obtained, or any such plant as is mentioned in paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of the last foregoing section are situated, and may inspect the premises and any articles found therein.
The person carrying out the inspection may make copies of, or extracts from, any drawing, plan or other document found in the premises and, for the purpose of making such copies or extracts, may remove any such drawing, plan or other document and retain possession thereof for a period not exceeding seven days.
[F2( 1A)No authorisation to enter or inspect any premises may be given by the Minister to any person under subsection (1) if such authorisation could be given by the Office for Nuclear Regulation to an inspector under Part 1 of Schedule 8 to the Energy Act 2013 (appointment and powers of inspectors).]
(2)If any person wilfully obstructs any person exercising powers under this section, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 5(1) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 36(2); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4
F2S. 5(1A) inserted (1.4.2014) by Energy Act 2013 (c. 32), s. 156(1), Sch. 12 para. 36(3); S.I. 2014/251, art. 4