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empowered to provide adequate facilities, where these are not
available, for the safe disposal or accumulation of radioactive waste,
and is required to consult with any local authority in whose area
he proposes to provide such facilities.
Where a local authority takes any special precautions in connection
with the disposal of radioactive waste in accordance with an authorisation,
or with the prior consent of the Minister, it may recover the cost of taking
such precautions from the person to whom the authorisation was granted.
The Act precludes local authorities from taking action under general
public health legislation as specified in the first schedule of the Act,
and any local enactment which contains powers for the control of
nuisances, on account of the radio-activity of any substance or article
or of any part of any premises.
There are two aspects of the Act which concern the Council:—
(i) it may be consulted by the Minister on applications for the
registration of premises in Westminster on which radioactive
substances may be kept or used, and
(ii) it may also be consulted with regard to the disposal of radioactive
waste.
The Council decided that its functions under the Radioactive Substances
Act, 1960, as regards disposal of radioactive waste in refuse tips
should be delegated to the Public Cleansing and Baths Committee but
that other functions under the Act should be referred to the Public
Health Committee.
So far, 14 notifications of registration of premises and nine
authorisations for the disposal of radioactive waste have been received
from the Minister of Housing and Local Government in respect of
premises in Westminster at which radioactive substances are used.