Member

That flexibility is critical, as technical requirements, data rights and operational sensitivities mean that data access must be considered carefully. Personal data, commercially sensitive information and information of which the disclosure could harm competition must remain protected. It is therefore not always appropriate to require all types of data to be made available through an open licence. GBR will need to consider data protection, commercial confidentiality, competition law, security, intellectual property and whether it actually has the right to disclose the information. I assure noble Lords that the Government will take an active interest in promoting fair and open data in the interests of railway users and taxpayers via GBR’s business plan. Unlike the amendment, the Government’s approach supports useful and responsible disclosure backed by contractual provisions and existing legal protections, which are in the Competition Act, that will ensure that GBR does not act abusively in its handling of railway data.