§ 30. Mr. REMNANTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware of the taking out of patents relating to inventions adapted for Admiralty purposes by Admiralty inspecting officials whose duties include visiting works where goods are manufactured to which such inventions are or may be applicable, and of the payment of royalties by contractors to Admiralty officials on the manufacture of goods not made for the Admiralty direct; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)No Admiralty employé is allowed to 1316 obtain a patent without first getting the permission of the Admiralty. Applications for such permission have from time to time been received from Admiralty employés, and each case has been dealt with on its merits, the whole of the circumstances being carefully considered. The Admiralty are satisfied that existing powers and the method of applying them are adequate to protect all the interests concerned, including those of the inventor, of the firms whose works he visits, and of the Government.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if I bring a case before him bearing out the points of my question, he will, on behalf of the First Lord, personally undertake to look into the matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARACertainly; I will give that undertaking.