HC Deb 20 July 1993 vol 229 cc134-5W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he intends to make to publish the consultants' report on the Patent Office.

Mr. McLoughlin

[holding answer 12 July 1993]: I have said that I will report to the House on my conclusions. I will consider whether it would be appropriate to publish the report after it has been received.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the total costs of relocating the Patent Office in Newport incurred in(a) building, (b) staff and (c) other costs.

Mr. McLoughlin

[holding answer 12 July 1993]: The gross costs were respectively (a)£29.3 million, (b) £13.0 million and (c) £6.7 million. However, they are being offset by major consequential savings on accommodation and staff costs of approximately £6.0 million per annum.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the market-testing exercise at the Patent Office will be suspended during the period of the consultants' study.

Mr. McLoughlin

[holding answer 12 July 1993]: No. The purpose of market testing is to ensure value for money and applies to Government activities whether or not they are subject to other reviews.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the full range of options that will be considered by consultants on the future of the Patent Office.

Mr. McLoughlin

[holding answer 12 July 1993]: The review will consider whether other forms of ownership and management might offer better value for money and enable the Patent Office to offer a better service to its customers. Consultants will be asked to identify as wide a range of options as possible.