§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to give effect to the proposals in early-day motion No. 514 concerning the extension of the patent life of pharmaceutical products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThere are no plans at present to give effect to the proposals in early-day motion No. 514. However the two matters raised in the motion are under review. On the question of licences of right, my Department and the Department of Health and Social Security are now considering representations from the pharmaceutical industry. On the question of patent life, I intend to seek the opinion of the Government's Standing Advisory Committee on Patents. To this end I have asked the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries to submit discussion papers.