§ MR. JAMES HOWARDasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether, considering the effect of the new Patent Law in increasing the number of visitors at the Library and the Reading Room of the Patent Office, he has in contemplation any plan for rendering this portion of the establishment more adequate to present requirements, and also more accessible than by the ascent of a difficult staircase of some sixty steps?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINThe Board of Trade has for some time past had under consideration the question of enlarging the Library at the Patent Office, and it has been decided to increase the existing Library so as to afford about double the present accommodation. The work will be commenced as soon as the money has been voted for the purpose. I fear that I cannot hold out any prospect of doing away with the staircase of which the hon. Member complains, as there is no room on the ground floor of the Patent Office for a Library of the requisite size.
§ MR. JAMES HOWARDasked whether there was any intention on the part of the Government to build a new Patent Office?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINNo.