§ SIR HENRY ROSCOE (Manchester, S.)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether his attention has been drawn to Memorials referring to recent decisions of the Court of Appeal in cases of Patent Law, presented to the Board of Trade by the Bolton Chamber of Commerce, by the Oldham Chamber of Commerce, and by Crosses and Winkworth, Limited; and, whether he can state if it is the intention of the Government shortly to take action to amend existing Patent Laws, in such manner as to protect innocent purchasers and users of patented articles and apparatus, who have acted in good faith, from vexatious and costly litigation, and to confer upon parties to actions for infringement of patents the right of trial by Judge and jury in the ordinary manner?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)Yes, Sir; my attention has been drawn to the Memorials referred to by the hon. Member. It is the intention of the Government shortly to introduce a Bill amending in some minor particulars the Patents Act of 1883, and I will consult the highest legal authorities as to the 1188 desirability of dealing with the question raised in the Memorials.