§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to consult industrialists over the proposals contained in the EU green paper on a European patent system based on a single patent application; and if she will make a statement. [7048]
§ Mr. BattleThe European Commission's Green Paper is in the form of a questionnaire seeking views from European industry, including that of the United Kingdom, on a wide range of issues concerning the development of the patent system in Europe. We are taking steps to ensure that UK industry is aware of the Commission's initiative so that it can make its views known to the Commission and at the same time advise the Department of its position. The Green Paper will be discussed by the Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property which was established so that not only industrialists, representing large to small industries, but also consumer representatives and legal and professional bodies can advise the Government on all aspects of industrial property policy.