19 July – United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority established by the Atomic Energy Act "to produce, use and dispose of atomic energy and carry out research into any matters therewith".[6]
23 November – opening of Walsh trial, to determine whether Douglas Walsh of Dumbarton, a Jehovah's Witnesspioneer, has the same right as an ordained religious minister in Scotland to be exempted from conscripted military service.[8]