Atomic Energy Authority Act 1959

The Atomic Energy Authority Act 1959 (8 & 9 Eliz. 2. c. 5) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which amended and extended the constitution and powers of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

Background
The Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954 had established the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The work of the Authority had increased over the five years since it was founded. For example, the number of staff had increased from 17,000 to 37,000. There had also been internal reorganisation of divisions. The Authority therefore thought it was expedient to make provision for a greater number of members on its governing body.

The National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science, was established in 1957 to manage research into nuclear physics undertaken by the UKAEA. However, there was no provision for staff to benefit from the Authority’s pension scheme.

Atomic Energy Authority Act 1959
The Atomic Energy Authority Act 1959 received royal assent on 17 December 1959. Its long title is: ’An Act to increase the maximum number of members of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, and to enable the Authority to include in their pension schemes staff of the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science.’

Provisions
The Act comprises four sections.


 * Section 1. Increase of maximum number of members of Authority. The 1954 Act had specified that the Authority shall consist of a Chairman and not more than 10 members. The 1959 Act increased this to not more than 15.
 * Section 2. Provision of pensions for staff of the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science. Applied the provisions of UKAEA’s pension to staff of the Institute.
 * Section 3. Expenses. Additional expenses resulting from this Act were to be defrayed from money’s provided by Parliament.
 * Section 4. Short title and citation. Atomic Energy Authority Act 1959.

Aftermath
The 1959 Act was amended by the Science and Technology Act 1965 (c. 4).