§ 31. Mr. Sextonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the German Government are blocking the transfer to owners of patents in this country of considerable sums due by way of royalty from German licencees; and whether he will state what provisions govern the transfer to Germany of royalties from British licencees to German patent owners?
§ Mr. StanleyThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Difficulties and delays in connection with transfers of royalties do arise however from time to time and, if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any case that may come to his notice, I will make investigations. No restrictions have been imposed by His Majesty's Government on the transfer of royalties from United Kingdom licencees to German patent owners.
§ Mr. SextonWould the Government be prepared to take retaliatory action if I produced evidence that British owners of patents are not allowed to get money from Germany?
§ Mr. StanleyI have said that we have no information that that is the case, but that they have been getting these payments for many years. If there has been any irregularity in regard to these payments, and the hon. Member knows of a case, I should be glad to look into it and see what I can do.