§ 79. Captain WEIGALLasked the Post master-General whether the Marconi master patent, the 7777, expired in April of this year; whether it has been renewed; and whether, in the event of its expiration and non-renewal, His Majesty's Government can claim compensation from the Marconi Company?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe patent referred to by the hon. and gallant Member expired in April last and has not been renewed. I am not aware of any circumstances Tinder which His Majesty's Government can claim compensation from the Marconi Company in respect of the non-renewal of the patent.
§ Mr. G. D. FABERHas any application been made for a renewal of the 7777 patent?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThat question had better be addressed to the Marconi Company and they will probably inform the hon. Member.
§ 80. Captain WEIGALLasked what liability, if any, is incurred by His Majesty's Government under their con tract with the Marconi Company if the action between the Helsby and the Marconi companies invalidates some of the chief Marconi patents?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEHis Majesty's Government are protected from liability arising for actions such as that referred to by the hon. and gallant Member by clause 22 of the agreement with the Marconi Company of the 30th of July, 1913, which indemnifies the Postmaster-General against all claims arising out of the exercise of the powers conferred by the agreement.