HC Deb 06 December 1973 vol 865 cc461-2W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish the consultative White Paper on patents before May 1974 so that the issues may be debated prior to final decisions being taken on the second European Patent Convention.

Sir G. Howe

Yes. I intend to publish a consultative paper setting out the Government's proposals for new patent legislation on the future of the British patent system in time for consultation with interested bodies prior to the conference next May on the Community Patent Convention.