§ Sir ARTHUR MARKHAMasked the Under-Secretary for War if he will say the amount of patent royalty paid by His Majesty's Government on each fuse manufactured in this country since the present War; whether, on all orders given to manufacturers, a royalty is reserved; and to whom is this money payable?
Mr. BAKERKrupp's British patent, to which I assume that the hon. Member refers, expired in July last, and no royalties are payable as from that date. I understand, however, that private arrangements existed between the patentees and two firms in this country, under which payments might continue. Inquiry is being made into the terms and legal effect of these arrangements under present conditions.