HC Deb 09 July 1969 vol 786 c262W
58. Mr. Chataway

asked the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for reducing the cost and complexity of patenting inventions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dell

The British patent system is being examined by a Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Maurice Banks, which is expected to report by the end of this year. The investigation includes procedures and costs.

Proposals for the rationalisation and simplification of the procedures for obtaining patents in more than one country, in which this country has played a leading part, have now reached an advanced stage. It is inevitable that these, even it generally acceptable, will take time to become effective.