HC Deb 14 May 1957 vol 570 cc205-6
29. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what invitations have been issued in the past by the United Kingdom to other Organisation for European Economic Co-operation countries to participate in any British research projects; and what response was received.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The United Kingdom has on many occasions taken the initative in suggesting research activities in which other Organisation for European Economic Co-operation countries might cooperate and where the research could appropriately be carried out by a United Kingdom research organisation as a part of, or extension of, a British research programme. In a number of cases schemes of this type have resulted.

Mr. Wilson

Can my hon. Friend be a little more specific about the topics covered?

Mr. Nicholls

I did answer my hon. Friend's Question. The topics covered have included food and agriculture, building, energy, including nuclear energy, and other aspects of applied science, business management, economic and human factors, technical information, and trade union programmes. Those are just a few examples of the topics which are being covered.

30. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council what arrangements are made concerning patentable results of research undertaken in co-operation with the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation.

Mr. H. Nicholls

When the research project initiated within the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation is likely to lead to patentable results, a clause concerning patent rights and their explotation is included in the agreement drawn up between the participating organisations in member countries. Such a clause is designed to ensure that the right arising from patentable results of any new co-operative research are shared equitably between the participating bodies.

Mr. Wilson

What formula do the Government usually apply to ensure that any developments can be fairly shared?

Mr. Nicholls

There are no set formulæ. One would apply when a Government Department is concerned, another for a research association, and yet another for a nationalised industry. However, I can assure my hon. Friend that all the formulæ are designed to see that the results are widely and fairly shared.