HL Deb 14 March 1972 vol 329 c424WA
LORD KENNET

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state what they know of the maximum period under the law of different countries for which commercial enterprises are allowed to keep confidential the results of geological surveys.

LORD DRUMALBYN

From the limited particulars in the possession of the Government it is evident that there is no general pattern of a confidentiality period. Requirements differ considerably between countries, and periods are usually subject to negotiation. Where maximum periods are laid down by law, these may vary, depending on the character of the information, the type of work being carried out and the relationship between the enterprise and the Government concerned.