The Nuclear Industries Security (Amendment) Regulations 2006

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/403) (“the Principal Regulations”).

The principal amendment that these Regulations make is to replace regulation 22 of the Principal Regulations. The amended regulation 22 provides that the people to whom the regulation applies must maintain appropriate security standards to minimise risk of loss, theft or unauthorised disclosure of sensitive nuclear information or uranium enrichment equipment or software. They must also ensure that each of their officers, employees, contractors and consultants, and their officers, employees, contractors and consultants, is familiar with the relevant security standards. They must also comply with any direction from the Secretary of State requiring specific steps to be taken or for the Secretary of State’s approval regarding the use or employment of an officer, employee, contractor or consultant. They must also report to the Secretary of State any theft, unauthorised access or other matter which may affect the security of sensitive nuclear information or uranium enrichment equipment or software within the time specified with the detail specified.

Regulation 4 of the Principal Regulations is amended to make clear that the approved security plan for nuclear premises must describe the standards, procedures and arrangements in place to ensure the security of any software used or stored on the premises in connection with activities involving nuclear and other radioactive material.

Regulations 10 and 18 of the Principal Regulations are amended to make clear that it is only where it is not possible to provide a report regarding specified events relating the security of premises or nuclear material to the Secretary of State within 24 hours that an oral report should be made within 24 hours, followed by a written report within 48 hours of the relevant event becoming known.

Regulation 20 of the Principal Regulations is amended to make clear that a carrier transporting a vehicle carrying nuclear material to or from the United Kingdom does not need to comply with regulation 20 if the driver of the vehicle drives it on and off the ship and remains on the ship during the ship’s journey.

A regulatory impact assessment in respect of these Regulations may be obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry, Energy Industries and Technologies Unit, 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET. A copy has been placed in the library of each House of Parliament.