§ LORD LYNDHURSTpresented a, petition from Mr. John Benjamin Daines, of Argyll Street, Hanover Square, London, gentleman, the inventor of a solution for 1420 preventing the decomposition of stonework exposed to atmospheric action, praying for an inquiry into its efficacy, and if found successful, that their Lordships would accept the use of it for national purposes. The noble and learned Lord stated that some parts of the stonework of the Houses of Parliament were in a state of considerable decomposition, and that, two years ago, Sir Charles Barry permitted Mr. Daines to apply his solution to three portions of the building, covering altogether a surface of 1,400 square yards, Sir Charles having intimated to him that he could not give a certificate as to its merits until after the lapse of two years. That period had now expired, and Mr. Daines received yesterday from Sir Charles Barry a certificate stating that he was perfectly satisfied with the efficiency of the solution, and that it had not only preserved the stonework to which it had been applied, but had checked the decay in those portions where decomposition had commenced at the time of application. He therefore wished to know whether the Government would have any objection to appoint two or three of their Lordships for the purpose of investigating the subject? He also availed himself of that opportunity to ask the noble and learned Lord on the woolsack, whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce a measure with respect to the patent laws, which were now in a very unsatisfactory state?
THE LORD CHANCELLORquite concurred with the noble and learned Lord that the state of the law of patents and inventions was anything but satisfactory. The matter underwent investigation before a Committee of their Lordships' House some few years ago, and also, he believed, before a Committee of the other House of Parliament; they recommended some material changes, and the present system had been established in conformity with the changes so suggested. He had often had the subject under his own consideration, and he felt that the law was in a very discreditable state. He would again look into the matter; but seeing that it was beset by almost insurmountable difficulties, he was not prepared to say that he would introduce a measure next Session.
§ THE EARL OF HARROWBYsaid it was hardly possible to institute an inquiry into the merits of Mr. Daines' invention by a Committee at this period of the Session.
§ LORD LYNDHURSTsaid, he did not think the inquiry would occupy more than two or three hours at the outside. The 1421 decomposition of the stonework had commenced, to a very considerable extent, over different parts of the building, and no time ought to be lost in taking some step to prevent the continuance of the evil.