§ 38. Mr. V. Yatesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the new method of centrifugal casting has facilitated the copying of jewellery designs; and whether he will consider improving the present methods of protecting such designs.
§ Mr. ErrollI am aware of this method. The protection provided for jewellery designs by our existing laws is, in our view, adequate, but we will certainly examine any suggestions that the hon. Member may make for improvements in the procedure of registration.
§ Mr. YatesI appreciate the Minister's willingness to examine this matter. Will he examine the system which is in operation in Germany? That country seems to have found a much cheaper way of protecting manufacturers. In Birmingham manufacturers are spending £3,000 a year 885 and more in designing, only to feel a sense of complete frustration later because of the copying of those designs which is taking place in this country. The present method is far too expensive and elaborate in detail to expect manufacturers to co-operate. I hope that the Minister will look into the question.
§ Mr. ErrollI shall certainly look into the matter, but under present arrangements a certificate of registration can usually be issued within a month of application.