5. Mr. J. Wellsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take further steps to encourage agricultural seed research and development.
§ Mr. GodberThe valuable work already being done on this subject at various scientific institutes appears to cover existing needs. If, however, there is any particular aspect which my hon. Friend has in mind, I should be glad to look into it.
Mr. WellsCan my hon. Friend give any indication of the possibility of introducing a copyright or patent for a limited number of years to help private firms going in for plant breeding and seed research?
§ Mr. GodberThe question of protecting the plant breeder by a grant of rights is being considered by the Committee on Transactions in Seeds. My right hon. Friend expects to receive the Committee's report in the summer, and we shall be able to consider the matter then.