Intellectual Property
Debate between Baroness Hooper and Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Obviously, I share the noble Lord’s concern about pension rights. There was a lively debate in the other place on this issue yesterday which merits reading.
Baroness Hooper (Con)
My Lords, can my noble friend tell us what will happen to the European trademark and patent arrangements should the result of the referendum lead to Britain’s exit from the European Union?
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
I do not think that I am going to speculate on that issue. We may well remain, but the point about intellectual property law is that, especially now that content is online, it knows no boundaries. That provides a huge dynamic for international action.
Business: Advice Services
Debate between Baroness Hooper and Baroness Neville-Rolfe
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
I am concerned to hear what the noble Lord says because we put a lot of work into improving the procurement process for small businesses. I will certainly write to him with the details, including on the payment periods, which have been severely reduced.
Baroness Hooper (Con)
Will my noble friend tell us how the Government’s future plans intend to help small and medium-sized businesses increase their exports?
Baroness Neville-Rolfe
I am glad that my noble friend mentioned exports because a huge export drive is part of the BIS agenda. UKTI provides tailored help for small businesses on suitable markets, export opportunities and, of course, finance. Having been involved in export in a prior life, I know how very helpful that work is to business.