HC Deb 17 June 1930 vol 240 c6
7. Mr. DAY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes at an early date introducing legislation amending the law relating to patents?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)

As I indicated in the House on 6th June, it is impossible to consider any amending legislation until the Committee dealing with this subject has reported.

Mr. DAY

Has any action been taken with a view to accelerating procedure in connection with this office and reducing the cost?

Mr. GRAHAM

Yes, Sir. I referred recently to additional staff appointed, I think, by examination, but in any event in this report, which may not be available for some months yet, it will be found that all these matters have been considered.

Mr. DAY

Have steps been taken to reduce the congestion which has existed for a long time?

Mr. GRAHAM

I should require notice of that question.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Is the Committee considering a possible basis of co-operation with other countries so as to simplify the procedure, or has it confined itself to the procedure of the Patent Office in this country?

Mr. GRAHAM

That also is a question of which I should require notice. But I have no reason to doubt that the Committee will take a very comprehensive view of the subject.