§ Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for Trade what steps are being taken in the efforts to bring the proposed European Community trade marks office to London.
§ Mr. EyreThe Department of Trade in collaboration with the Greater London Council has produced a brochure which underlines the many advantages of London as the seat for the Community trade marks office. The brochure illustrates the wealth of suitable office accommodation which is readily available, the long association of trade mark activities with London and the facilities available for the staff who will be drawn from all over the Community. It also highlights the advantages of London to potential users of a Community trade mark system such as the ease of access from all parts of the world and the existence of large numbers of agents, solicitors and lawyers able to give expert guidence in trade mark matters.
The brochure was presented to a meeting of the permanent representatives to the European Community on 13 January. A copy has been placed in the Library.
We are in the process of sending the brochure to the Commission, the Council of Ministers, Members of the European Parliament and to trade mark and commercial circles throughout the Community.