§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the WTO about the forthcoming review of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property; and if she will make a statement. [40151]
§ Clare ShortThe WTO Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) is overseen by the TRIPs Council which meets on a regular basis and comprises all WTO members. The TRIPs Agreement requires the Council to review the provisions of Article 27(3(b) of the Agreement concerning the exclusion from patentability of plants and animals in 1999, and the implementation of the Agreement as a whole after 2000. The UK Government will take full part in discussions alongside developing countries in the Council before and throughout the reviews. The TRIPs Council operates by consensus and therefore will need to take into account the views and interests of all members.