325.Paragraph 32 inserts section 20A after section 20 of the Reservoirs Act 1975. This will allow the Minister to make regulations for the assessment of the quality of reports and written statements prepared by inspecting and supervising engineers (new section 20A(1)), including for the assessment to be made by a committee of members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (new section 20A(2)). Regulations may set out the criteria and procedures for assessment. The provision will provide a basis on which improvements to, and a greater consistency in, engineers’ reports etc can be achieved and will help to identify where prescribed forms or guidance needs to be revised.
326.Regulations made under new section 20A(1) are subject to the negative resolution procedure.