HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 cc1225-6
54. Sir Alfred Beit

asked the Minister of Production whether any restrictions in connection with commercial exploitation or advertising were imposed and agreed upon between His Majesty's Government and the U.S. Government at the times when plans and drawings of British inventions or mechanical and scientific devices were offered to the U.S.A. with the object of furthering the war effort by manufacture in that country.

The Minister of Production (Mr. Lyttelton)

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. Friend to Command Paper No. 6392 of 1942, known as the Patent Interchange Agreement.

Sir A. Beit

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been statements in the Press to the effect that exploitation of this sort was taking place, and could he make it clear that certain safeguards were entered into?

Mr. Lyttelton

If my hon. Friend studies that paper he will see that safe-guards are provided. If there is any evidence that it has been abused, I shall be glad to look into it.