(3) This section
does not apply to or in respect of existing interests, or the renewal or
extension of the term of any such interest, as referred to in section 39.
(4)
The Minister may, subject to such terms and conditions as the Minister may
determine from time to time, approve of prospecting for minerals being carried
out on behalf of the Government in a national park or historic site by a
person nominated by the Minister for Minerals and Energy.
(5) Such an
approval has no force unless, before the approval is granted, notice of
intention to grant the approval is laid before both Houses of Parliament and--
(a) no notice of motion that the approval not be granted is given in either
House of Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the notice of
intention was laid before it, or
(b) if notice of such a motion is given, the
motion is withdrawn, is defeated or lapses.
(6) A certificate by the Minister
to the effect that the requirements of this section have been complied with in
respect of an approvalspecified in the certificate is conclusive evidence of
compliance with those requirements.
(7) Except as provided by this section,
nothing in this section affects the right, title or interest of any person in
respect of minerals in any lands within a national park or historic site.