§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has undertaken into the possible(a) agricultural and (b) animal welfare implications of the draft European Parliament and Council directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions; and if he will make a statement. [7353]
410W
§ Mr. RookerThis draft Directive—which is still under discussion—would not in general either limit or increase the availability of patent protection as compared to that already provided in UK law. The Ministry has not commissioned research into the implications for agriculture or animal welfare. We do not consider that the patent system is the right approach for dealing with ethical and related issues arising from biotechnology. The purpose of patenting is to prevent others claiming to own or trying to use inventions. However, patent holders must also comply with all other relevant legislation and regulations which, for example, give protection to the welfare of animals.