New Channel Equipment

HC Deb 22 July 1959 vol 609 c1251

6. Mr. Ness Edwards

asked the Postmaster-General whether patent rights have been taken out by the Post Office on the new channel equipment.

Mr. K. Thompson

Patent applications have been filed but are still pending.

Mr. Edwards

I take it that the producers will pay some fee to the Post Office for the use of these rights? I am concerned about whether the Post Office, in introducing this type of equipment for a third party, will be able to recoup itself for some of the investment made in the development.

Mr. Thompson

The right hon. Gentleman knows that we work very closely with the industry in developing and using these various new designs and ideas. I can assure him that the interests of the Post Office and the public interest generally are very well protected.