§ 46. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent decision in the High Court of the Irish Free State in Dublin, which lays down that British patent rights are no longer valid in the Irish Free State; and whether, in view of the concern which has been occasioned to the holders of British patents by the above decision, he will state what action the British Government are taking in the matter?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREHis Majesty's Government have been in communication with the Government of the Irish Free State in this matter, and they are informed by them that notice of appeal against the judgment in question has been entered, but that it is doubtful whether it will be possible for the appeal to be heard before the autumn. His Majesty's Government are further informed that the Minister for Commerce and Industry introduced yesterday into the Dail a Bill declaring the validity in the Irish Free State of all patents registered in the Patent Office, London, prior to 7th December, 1921.