§ 27. Mr. KINGasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficult position in which certain holders of patents are placed, inasmuch as taxes on their patents must be paid when due or fines are exacted, while certain trades are in cessation, the expenditure of local bodies is largely curtailed, works manufacturing under patents are commandeered for Government work, and the labour market is disorganised; and whether he will favourably consider applications for relaxation of the present charges in cases where exceptional hardships can be shown to have arisen?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the rules made on 21st August last, with a view to meeting the difficulties to which he refers. He may rest assured that the power given in these rules to extend the time for the payment of fees has been, and will continue to be, generously exercised in all suitable cases.