§ Mr. Richard Shepherdasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has any plans to review the role and activities of the Atomic Energy Authority.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe role of the Atomic Energy Authority, which is a Vote-funded body with a high degree of statutory independence, is founded on the Atomic Energy Authority Act 1954. There have, however, been many changes in the authority's programmes in recent years, and in the nuclear industry during the 30 years since its inception. I have therefore recently set in hand within my Department a wide-ranging overall review of the authority's role and activities, including whether its present relationship with the Department remains appropriate.