§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment he has made of whether the patents system as it applies to biotechnology inventions continues to operate in the public interest; and if he will make a statement. [77876]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIt is important to ensure that the patent system in this rapidly developing area continues to operate in the public interest. The Department is commissioning a study on the impact which current patenting practice in the field of genetics has on research and competitiveness in the UK. The Department of Health is conducting a study on Intellectual Property generally and the NHS. In addition, the report published in September of the independent Commission on Intellectual Property Rights, set up by right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development, makes recommendations in this area in terms of the impact on developing countries. The Government are currently considering these recommendations.