§ 7. Mr. HOGGEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Mr. Constantinesco, whose inventions 1874 have been very valuable to the Allies during the War, is leaving England, of which he is now a naturalised citizen, as he cannot secure a reasonable share of the royalties due from the Government upon patents employed by them; and what steps can be taken to enable him to remain and complete the important experiments he is conducting for the Government?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I have been asked to answer this question. Mr. Constantinesco is employed under agreement with the Government, the direction of his work being carried out by the Admiralty on behalf of the Government. He has proceeded, at his own request, on one month's leave, but his agreement remains in force. In his request for leave, I may perhaps say, Mr. Constantinesco makes no mention of any question connected with his royalties.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs it not a fact that over £300,000 is now due by the Admiralty under this arrangement and that this man is unable to obtain a penny?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere may be some difference of opinion with regard to the matter. I will refresh my memory by looking into the facts.
§ 8. Mr. HOGGEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, early in the War. Mr. Constantinesco came to this country and, when he could speak only Roumanian, entered into a partnership with Mr. Walter Haddon, the terms of which were damaging to Mr. Constantinesco's interest; and whether he possesses any powers to protect inventors so placed?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Auckland Geddes)I know nothing of the case in question, but may say that the Board of Trade does not possess any power to interfere in a partnership between an inventor and another.