§ 50. Major Lyonsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider setting up an inter-departmental committee, under independent chairmanship, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the administration and practice of existing patent laws and the effect of taxation on royalties in retarding the inventive activities and expenditure on research, both by individuals and groups; to arrange in certain directions of national importance, for war and peace,, some State aid and encouragement for stimulating further industrial research; and to hear the suggestions of interested persons.
§ Sir J. AndersonWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 14th March. With regard to taxation, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Etherton) on 2nd November last. From these replies it will be seen that these matters are under consideration, as is also the general question of State aid and encouragement for research and invention.
§ Mr. Ellis SmithIs it also intended to have a full inquiry into the pre-war arrangements and ramifications of the whole of the big monopolies of the country?
§ Sir J. AndersonPerhaps that question should be put to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.