§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."—[Mr. J. Edwards.]
§ 2.5 p.m.
§ Mr, Manningham-Buller (Daventry)I am sorry that we have not had a word of explanation of this Bill. It is one of the first products to result from the Consolidation of Enactments Act passed so recently in this House. I only want to say what a welcome thing it is to find that so much of the law relating to patents will now be contained in one Act of Parliament, which will make it much easier for practitioners at the Bar, solicitors and patent agents to refer to. It is a most welcome Measure, and I certainly do not want to impede its passage to the Statute Book, but I do not think it should go through its Second Reading without some tribute being paid to those who obviously have taken a great deal of trouble in the preparation of this Bill, or without saying something about the benefits that will accrue from it.