§ 37. Mr. Ian Winterbottomasked the Minister of Supply if he will give an assurance that the discovery made by Dr. Charlsby at Harwell, that the nature of Polythene plastics is affected by high-energy radiation, which has important commercial applications, has been protected by suitable patent applications.
§ Mr. SandysResearch work conducted at Harwell under the direction of Dr. Charlsby has revealed that the properties of certain plastics, in particular Polythene, Polystyrene and Neoprene are improved by irradiation in a nuclear reactor. In accordance with normal practice, patent rights have been applied for.
§ Mr. WinterbottomIs the Minister aware that such was the interest aroused in America by this discovery that the first inquiry reached Dr. Charlsby within 15 days of the paper on the subject being published, and that the General Electric Company of America is already in limited production? Can he tell the House, first, what licence fees are being paid by American exploiters of this discovery and, secondly, what steps he is taking to encourage British industry also to use this British invention?
§ Mr. SandysI have not the answer to the first part of that supplementary question but, in reply to the second part, this information is being made freely available to British industry and I have no doubt that they will be just as quick off the mark as industry in the United States.