§ Mr. Englishasked the Minister for Trade whether he has any proposals for, or is giving consideration to, the transfer of any function of the Patent Office to the private sector; and whether he will consult the patent agents professional body about the matter.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Government believe that activities should be privatised if they can be effectively carried out in the private sector. To this end, possible candidates for transfer from the public into the private sector are constantly sought. At present there are no specific proposals concerning any of the functions of the Patent Office.