§ 88. Mr. STEWARTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a certain patent has recently been granted to Dr. C. Mensching, an interned enemy alien, lately resident at Bromborough Port, Cheshire; and, if so, whether he will say if British patents at the present time are issued to Germans in this country who are not even naturalised?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe practice is not to seal any patent in the name of a subject of a State at war with His Majesty, but to allow such applications to proceed as far as acceptance. In accordance with this practice, an application by Dr. Mensching and another was accepted on 27th January, 1916.
§ Mr. BILLINGDo the Government propose to allow an enemy of this country to prepare to make profits and to hide behind the laws during the War?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe hon. Member asks a question which absolutely misrepresents the facts. If he knew what the acceptance of a patent was he would understand that nothing of the kind could arise. The acceptance means only that the patent is registered and that it cannot be used or any profit whatever made out of it. The same thing is seen in other countries. It is accepted and registered in order that it may be guarded against use.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the hon. Gentleman state that it will not be permitted to be used?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI said so in my answer.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask that, before releasing these patents for the use of enemies, some public statement shall be made by the Government?