HC Deb 31 July 1972 vol 842 c10W
58. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refuse to extend the length of patent coverage on any drug used extensively by the National Health Service when it reaches its due expiry date.

Mr. Noble

Extension of the term of a patent is not a matter for my right hon. Friend. It is decided by the High Court except in the now very rare case when application for extension is made to the Comptroller-General of Patents on the ground of war loss.