asked the Secretary of State for Trade what approaches have been made to him about the inadequate services provided by the Patent Office; and what action he has taken or is taking to overcome the delays which exist in dealing with applications for the granting of patents and for the registration of trade marks.
I have in the last month received representations about the services provided by the Patent Office from the Trade Marks, Patents and Designs Federation, the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents and the Institute of Patent Agents and the Institute of Trade Mark Agents and have received a deputation from the last-named organisation. The work of the Patent Office is handicapped by shortage of staff and on 1 December 1979 there were 88 vacancies, mainly in clerical grades. While some recruitment has been authorised in the Department, there are general problems in recruitment, particularly of clerical staff, in the London area.