§ Mr. Gouldasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received concerning the future of the Patent Office; and when he expects to announce a decision.
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§ Mr. TrippierAmong the numerous responses we have received to the Green Paper, "Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation" (Cmnd. 9117), which recommended that the Patent Office should become a separate statutory body, are some 50 which have expressed a view on this recommendation. This matter is still under consideration and Ministers will make a statement as soon as possible.