That this House takes note of European Community Document No. 10510/97, on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions; and supports the Government's view that this Directive could harmonise and clarify national laws on the patenting of biotechnological inventions, so reducing the current uncertainty which exists in this area of law in Europe which has the potential to act as a deterrent in this industry.— [Mr. Jamieson.]

Question agreed to.