§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to ensure that transgenic animals that cannot be kept without adverse effects on their health and welfare will be excluded from patentability under the proposed EC directive on the legal protection of biotechnical inventions.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 11 January 1993]: The European Commission is expected to revise the draft directive in response to a recent opinion from the European Parliament and I will consider any provisions relating to animal health and welfare which may be proposed. However, patent law is not an appropriate means for controlling activities undertaken in the field of biotechnology. Legislation exists covering the welfare of animals and it is reasonable that inventions which respect that legislation should have the benefit of patent protection.