HC Deb 26 July 1915 vol 73 cc1967-9
15. Mr. AGG-GARDNER

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Act prohibiting trading with the enemy is being evaded by the establishment of German factories in Holland which, such as the Gautsch Incandescent Light Company, a branch of a German firm working with German capital, at Sloterdyk, near Amsterdam, flood the British market with their produce; and, if so, whether any steps will be taken to make the Act more effective?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, goods (with certain minor exceptions) cannot be imported into this country from Holland unless accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by a British Consul. Such certificates are not granted in cases where the manufacturing firm is known to be a branch in Holland of an enemy firm. I shall be glad to consider any information which the hon. Member may be in a position to send me respecting the particular firm to which he refers.

16. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the following applications for patents recently filed, namely: 6664, 1915, mechanical time-fuses for projectiles, Rheinische Metallwaarenund Maschinenfabrik; 6649, 1915, propeller device for projectiles and the like, Aktieselskabet Carl Lunds Fabriker; 7144, 1915, sighting devices for airship- repelling guns, Fried. Krupp Akt.-Ges.; will he say whether these patents were granted to German firms; and whether Germans are still allowed to register patents in this country?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Letters Patent have not been granted on these applications, and will not be granted during the War. Applications for the grant of Letters Patent are received from alien enemies, and are proceeded with down to and including the acceptance of the complete specifications; but the granting of any patent rights on these applications is entirely suspended. I am sending my hon. Friend a printed notice respecting the procedure followed in this and other similar cases.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Does not the filing of these applications give provisional protection until such time as the complete specification is granted, and therefore in effect is not the Government granting provisional protection to the Germans?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No. That is not my information. The only effect so far as that goes is that we get the fees and the Germans do not get protection.