The Atomic Energy Authority (Weapons Group) Act 1973 (1973 c. 4) is an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom. The effect of the Act was to transfer the functions, property, liabilities and responsibilities related to atomic weapons from the Weapons Group of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to Ministry of Defence.
In 1971 the Government had commissioned a committee to inquire into the effectiveness of the organisation of government and defence procurement.[1][2] The committee, chaired by Sir Derek Rayner, reported that defence procurement activities from research to production should be brought together within the Ministry of Defence.[1] The Government accepted the recommendations of the Rayner report [2] and the Atomic Energy Authority (Weapons Group) Act 1973 was enacted to formally transfer the Weapons Group of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority to the Ministry of Defence.[3][4]
The Atomic Energy Authority (Weapons Group) Act 1973 received Royal Assent on 6 March 1973. It comprises ten Sections plus one Schedule.[4]
Schedule
Patent and other Rights reserved to Atomic Energy Authority
Various sections and subsections of the 1973 Act have subsequently been repealed.[5]