§ 72. Mr. O'GRADYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to suspend, for the period of the War, the payment of renewal fees for patent rights granted for devices made of metal now commandeered for munitions, especially in cases where the patent rights have been secured since the outbreak of war, and thus follow the policy adopted by the French and Belgian Governments?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. G. Roberts)I am not prepared to suspend payment of renewal fees altogether in such circumstances, but I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the rules, of which I am sending him a copy, made on 21st August, 1914, with a view to meeting the difficulties which patentees may have at the present time in regard to payment of fees. 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.