§ 63. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the inquiry has been completed as to the legal position under which two firms in this country have to pay royalties of 9d. to 1s. on every fuse to Krupp's as affecting the prices charged to this country; and, if so, what is the result of the inquiry?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes, Sir. We are advised that the sums due to Messrs. Krupp under these agreements stand in the same position as any other commercial debts to enemy subjects, and consequently the War Office has no power to intervene in the matter.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs my hon. Friend aware of the reply to the question I put on this matter some time ago to the former Financial Secretary to the War Office, in which he stated that this patent had expired, and when I asked whether the patent royalty was still being paid, although the patent had expired, he undertook to obtain legal advice on that point?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; I was not aware of that answer. My information is that this patent is running. That is the information we have at the War Office, and that Messrs. Vickers, and I think some other firm, are manufacturing under the patent.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor definitely stated that this patent had expired, and will he put the question to him about it?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think that will be the best way, as I am not familiar with the matter.
§ Mr. BUTCHERAre these royalties being paid over to the Public Trustee?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat I cannot say. That is out of our control altogether.