§ 6. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether all necessary steps have now been taken to cope with the arrears of work at the Patents Office; and whether applications for patents are now being dealt with without delay?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMAs a result of the competitive examinations held in April last, 17 assistant examiners are being appointed, of whom 11 have already taken up their duties. With this addition, the total examining staff will number 303, as compared with 239 on 1st January, 1929. The position in regard to the arrears shows a slight improvement as compared with the position last autumn, and, as soon as the very considerable body of new officials have acquired the necessary experience in their work, the applications for patents should be dealt with more expeditiously.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman, in addition to doing what he has just said, take immediate steps to cut away the red tape that has been interfering with the present practice in connection with applications in this country?
§ Mr. GRAHAMI think the House will recognise that this is a very large addition to the staff, but, if there are specific points on which hon. Members think there is delay, it would be much better if I had details.
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIn view of the complaints which have reached him from chambers of commerce, will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to overtake the arrears of work?
§ Mr. GRAHAMYes, that has been our object. My reply shows that 64 have been added to the original staff of 239 in 18 months. I am bearing that fact, of course, in mind.
§ Captain CROOKSHANKWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the fact that a great many people object to increasing the Civil Service?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThat is quite true, but this work must be overtaken, and there are very great industrial advantages in avoiding delay.