§ 5. Mr. Alisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Commission of the European Economic Community in connection with the proposed European Patents Convention in so far as it affects British interests.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe views of Her Majesty's Government as given to the House by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 2nd February have been explained fully to the Commission of the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. AlisonCan the hon. Gentleman give any further indication whether we are likely to be able to reach a satisfactory agreement with the Community on this issue? If not, as seems likely to be the case, would he not agree that this is yet a further example of the necessity for reaching agreement with the Community which would be based firmly on full membership and that any alternative form of ad hoc bridge building would not meet the case?
§ Mr. ThomsonThe latter part of the supplementary question raises wider issues. On the question of patents, Her Majesty's Government have made it clear that they wish to take part as full members in the European Patents Convention. The Council of Ministers at the E.E.C. have instructed the Commission to carry out further work on this subject and in doing so we trust they will take full account of our desire to be full members.