§ Mr. Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the report of the Banks Committee.
§ Sir G. HoweIt is clearly desirable that new British patent law should, in addition to implementing the main recommendations of the Banks Committee, be as consistent as possible with the new Community patent law. The latter, as defined in the two European Patent Conventions, will not be finally settled until next May. My right hon. Friend does not therefore now propose to introduce new patent legislation in the next Session of Parliament, but to do so as soon as practicable thereafter.