To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) discussions and (b) correspondence Ministers in his Department have had on the negotiation of a proposed anti-counterfeiting trade agreement in the last 12 months. (310445)

I have been kept informed by Intellectual Property Office (IPO) officials on a regular basis regarding the progress of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations. Over the last 12 months, my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State and I have received two letters raising concerns over the content and conduct of the ACTA negotiations. Furthermore, the Department has received two requests under the Freedom of Information Act. I have instructed officials to press for more transparency in the negotiations.