§ Lord Northfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the powers in Section 25 of the Patents Act 1977 could be used to vary the starting date of particular classes of patents; and, if not, whether such statutory powers exist elsewhere.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)The Government consider that Section 25 of the Patents Act 1977 could be used to postpone the starting date of particular classes of patents. However, any exercise of this power would need to be consistent with the United Kingdom's international obligation.