§ 73. Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a further statement on the Government's position on the patenting of intellectual property rights and on the consequences for developing countries of inclusion in the current general agreement on tariffs and trade round of trade in intellectual property rights.
§ Mr. RidleyThe Government recognise that adequate levels of protection for intellectual property rights, including patents, are a necessary incentive for innovation. A successful outcome to the GATT negotiations on the trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights will provide a favourable international climate for innovation from which all trading nations will benefit. Particular benefits for developing countries will include greater confidence for domestic and foreign investors alike and an improved framework for technology transfer. The European Commission is responsible for these negotiations on behalf of the United Kingdom and other member states.