asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement of Government policy towards the EEC fourth draft proposal to exempt patent licence agreements from article 85 of the Treaty of Rome forbidding restrictive agreements.

[pursuant to her reply, 7 December 1979, c. 412…: I am aware that the Commission's proposals have aroused considerable concern. I am watching developments closely but it would be premature to make a statement at this stage.