HC Deb 11 July 1949 vol 467 cc20-1
40. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Supply what are the functions of the Patent Division of his Department; and how many persons are employed in it.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

The number of staff employed in the Patents Branch of the Ministry of Supply on 1st July, 1949, was 130. Their functions are to deal with claims arising out of the use of inventions in equipment manufactured for Crown purposes to the order of the Ministry of Supply and certain other Government Departments; and to protect inventions made in the establishments of the Ministry and of certain other Government Departments, and to exploit these inventions.

Mr. Erroll

Is the size of this Department due to arrears of work which arose from war developments, or is it envisaged that this Department should be retained permanently at its present size?

Mr. Strauss

This is still a very busy Department. About 600 claims come before it every year, and we find that it saves the Government substantial sums of money. It has been calculated that over £2 million has been saved since the end of the war.