§ 60. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the long delays occurring at the Patent Office; and what steps are being taken to improve the situation.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Belcher)I have been asked to reply. I am aware that, owing to circumstances arising out of the war, there are long delays at the Patent Office in the examination of applications for patents. It will necessarily take time to remedy the position, but considerable additions have been made to the staff and further appointments will be made during the year.