§ 3. Mr. Higgsasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the manufacture of certain patented articles has ceased, or has been considerably reduced, on account of war conditions; and is he prepared to consider increasing the life of such patents for the same duration as the period of interruption as in the last war?
§ Mr. LytteltonSection 18 (6) of the Patents and Designs Acts, 1907 to 1939, provides for the extension of patents where the patentee as such can show that he has suffered loss or damage through the war. This is the provision which was made for the extension of patents on account of their interruption by the last war and I do not, as at presnt advised, proposed to introduce further legislation on the point.
§ Mr. HiggsIs not the Minister aware that a large number of patents will expire during the war and that congestion is likely to take place? Cannot he see his way clear to issue a general order in order to overcome these difficulties?