Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has had from the European Federation of Journalists on the European Directive on patenting computer-related inventions; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has had from the European Federation of Journalists on the European Directive on patenting computer-related inventions; and if she will make a statement. [140196] Ms Hewitt: The patentability of computer- implemented inventions has been the subject of a wide- ranging consultation exercise, and submissions on the proposed Directive have been received from individuals, companies and representative bodies. However we have not been able to trace any representations from the European Federation of Journalists. If you are aware of such a communication I would be grateful for further information.

Secondary information