6. c. 80) is an act of Parliament of the United Kingdom which vested in the Minister of Supply the power to control and promote the development of Atomic Energy in the UK.

[1] The primary concern was national security: the power of atomic energy could be used to jeopardise the safety of the state.

The Act gave the government control over what was envisaged to became a wide field of industrial activity, and to protect the country from the danger of a possible hostile attack.

'[2] The act received royal assent on 6 November 1946.

[2] The act comprises 21 Sections under six headings plus two schedules:[2] General Functions of Minister of Supply Powers to obtain information and to inspect Power to search for and work minerals and acquire property Control of production and use of atomic energy and publication of information Special provisions as to inventions General Provisions Schedules