§ Mr. Ioan Evansasked the Secretary of State for Trade what consultations have taken place with trade associations in the United Kingdom about the possibility of establishing a European trade mark; and, further to his reply of 16 March, Official Report, column 12, what stage negotiations have reached.
§ Mr. EyreSince 1977 the Department of Trade has been in continuous consultation with the standing advisory committee on trade mark law and practice regarding the establishment of a European trade mark. This committee is representative of industrial, commercial, advertising, trade mark professional, legal, consumer and trade union interests and is the recognised consultative body on trade mark matters in the United Kingdom.
As to the progress of negotiations, there has been a first round of discussions between Government experts and the Commission of the European Communities and following these, the Commission has made formal proposals to the Council on which we are seeking the advice of the standing advisory committee. The proposals are also being considered both by the European Parliament and by the Economic and Social Committee. Pending the views of these two institutions, which are not expected before the end of this year, arrangements have also been made for a preliminary meeting of member States in the framework of the Council in June to consider initial views on the proposals and the arrangements for future discussions.