§ 51. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister without Portfolio, in view of the eagerness of the people to make their contribution in the national effort, when action is to be taken to mobilise the whole resources of the country, increase the supply of materials, and make the pooling of patentee rights and licences compulsory, and, as wide powers are being used to direct workpeople and interfere with their hard-won customs when will the compulsory powers be used to direct material and production in order that the peak can be attained and the people be assured that the maximum effort is being made?
§ The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)The Government warmly appreciate the eagerness to which my hon. Friend refers, which makes very much easier their task of mobilising the resources required for the war effort and 951 has already made possible a very considerable increase in the output of war materials. Under existing legislation any patented invention can be used on proper terms for the purposes of the Crown, and Government Departments can act in this matter either directly or by any contractor duly authorised in writing. The Ministers concerned do not hesitate to use their powers of requisitioning materials, premises and tools wherever such action would be useful.