§ Lord Mulleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will nominate Sheffield as the British candidate for the location of the proposed European Economic Community Trade Mark Office in view of the city's experience in dealing with trade marks since 1554, the facilities it has available and the need for alternative employment in the light of the decline of its traditional industries.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)The Government consider that the Community Trade Marks Office should be located in London, as was said most recently by Mr. Pattie, Minister of State for Industry and Information Technology, in another place (Official Report, col. 6) on 8th November 1984. The possibility of putting forward a regional candidate has been thoroughly examined, but the Government are convinced that London has the best chance of success over the strong rival nominations made by other Community states.