§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, in moving for leave to bring in a Bill "to amend the law concerning patents, with respect to inventions for improvements in instruments and munitions of war," said the measure was intended to accomplish a very important object. According to the present law, an invention when patented very soon became public, not only in this country, but, from the very liberal course adopted at the Patent Office, abroad, for communications took place with foreign Governments and foreign societies, and the specifications thus became known throughout the world. Now it was thought that inventions respecting munitions of war, or others of a character which it was for the public interest to conceal, should be vested in the Crown or some of the Officers of the Crown, say the Secretary for War. This, however, could only be effected by means of an Act of Parliament. The Bill would vest such inventions acordingly, and upon a declaration being made to the officers of the Patent Office power would be given to seal up all the papers connected with the invention, which would thus be kept secret as long as was thought advisable. To such a proposal there could, he thought, be no constitutional objection, because in ancient times it was the prerogative of the Crown to secure to itself an exclusive right to all inventions of a military character. The Bill was therefore only in furtherance of the ancient common law.
§ Leave given.
§ Bill to amend the Law concerning Patents for Inventions, with respect to Inventions for Improvements in Instruments and Munitions of War, ordered to be brought in by Mr. ATTORNEY GENERAL, Mr. SOLICITOR GENERAL, and General PEEL.
§ Bill presented, and read 1°.