§ Lord Rippon of Hexhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to ensure that the proposed new European Trade Mark Office will be based in London.
§ The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Lord Young of Graffham)The Government have consistently argued in Community circles that the location of the Community Trade Mark Office should be decided in the light of the technical advantages, such as professional infrastructure and communications, of each site, and on these grounds no site has a stronger case than London. Our efforts have resulted in London being included in a European Commission short list with Madrid, Munich and The Hague. The decision on location now rests with the Council of Ministers and the Government will continue to press the merits of London when the matter is considered by the Council.