HC Deb 03 June 1946 vol 423 cc1589-90
19. Commander Maitland

asked the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements he has made to make known the information regarding German trade processes obtained by B.I.O.S. to all manufacturers in this country.

Mr. Belcher

The arrangements for the distribution of reports on German trade processes prepared by the British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee investigators were given on 14th November and 30th January last, in replies to questions put by the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. W. Fletcher) and the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll), copies of which I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member. Present arrangements for publicising the information contained in these reports are as follows: particulars of the reports are listed, on publication, in the Board of Trade Journal and in the monthly list of Government Publications issued by His Majesty's Stationery Office; these lists are circulated to the trade and technical Press, who can obtain copies on request for reviewing, and to Chambers of Commerce. Consolidated lists, with reports arranged under subject headings, will be issued from time to time.

Commander Maitland

Is the hon. Gentleman quite happy that this process is not being interfered with by too much recognition of German patents?

Mr. Belcher

That seems to me to be altogether a different question, but if the hon. and gallant Member likes to put down a Question to that end, I will do my best to answer it.

Mr. Erroll

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, despite his intentions as to; the system of this distribution, the fact remains that a large number of manufacturers are not receiving this information, and could he not consider broadening the basis of distribution?

Mr. Belcher

The best thing that can be done is for the hon. Gentleman to give me details and I will do my best to look into the matter.

Mr. Solley

Is there any reason at all why the Government should not advertise to the people in the various industries that this information is available?

Mr. Belcher

Surely the fact that we are publishing the full facts in the Board of Trade Journal and in the monthly list of Government publications, issued by the Stationery Office, which are circulated to the trade and technical Press, shows that we are doing as much as we can be expected to do to advertise them.