§ 13. Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he supports the European Commission's proposals for harmonising legislation on trademarks and the creation of a Community trademark.
§ Mr. EyreThe Government support the principle of a Community trademark and the need for corresponding alignment of national law. In the long term I am satisfied that the scheme will be helpful to United Kingdom traders who wish to expand their Community trade. The Commission's proposals do, however, raise a number of difficult problems, and they will be the subject of further negotiations.
§ Mr. BakerIs my hon. Friend aware of the concern of the business community over a number of important points in the proposals? Will he ensure that before accepting the proposals he deals with the questions of inroads into common law rights and international exhaustion and the other significant matters that are troubling the business community?
§ Mr. Russell KerrAnd also whether we are going to stay in the Community.
§ Mr. EyreI appreciate the validity of the points raised by my hon. Friend. I believe that there will be further substantial negotiations. The points that he raises will be borne very much in mind.
§ Mr. Clinton DavisWhat does the Minister intend to do to try to establish the trademark registry in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. EyreThe Government are firm in their desire to secure the siting of the trademark office in London, and will make specific proposals about a site at a more appropriate date, having regard to the probable length of the negotiations.