Mr. DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of bringing in a Bill to improve and cheapen the facilities for persons of limited means to take out patents and to prevent any patentee from selling more than 50 per cent, of his interest in his invention to his employer; and if he will further consider the advisability of appointing an Inventions Committee to consider and advise upon inventions of all persons of poor circumstances and, if necessary, help them to protect their improvements?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIn reply to the first part of the question, I would direct my hon. Friend's attention to the Bill to amend the Patents and Designs Act, 1907, at present under consideration in another place. If this Bill receives the Royal Assent, it is hoped that it will improve facilities for obtaining the grant of patents. As regards the second part of the question, my right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable or advisable to1938W appoint such a Committee as that suggested. Under the present practice of the Patent Office all possible help and assistance is given by the staff to every inventor in preparing the specifications and other documents necessary for obtaining patent rights.