§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to issue new guidelines to the Patents Office to assist in the screening of applications to foreign patent offices for information prejudicial to the safety of the public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 30 January 1992]: I have no plans to issue new guidelines to the Patents Office. There are long-established procedures for screening applications which may have a bearing on the defence of the realm and the comptroller of the office is also required under the Patents Act 1977 to have regard to issues of public safety.