§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Committee appointed by the British Science Guild to consider the reform of the British patent system, wherein it is stated that each year the Treasury takes a large annual surplus from patentees ranging from £63,592 in 1870 to £112,939 in 1927; and whether, seeing that this taxation of inventions is contrary to the 1102W purpose of the patent system and against the interests of British science and trade, he will consider some alteration of the present system?
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Committee appointed by the British Science Guild to consider the reform of the British patent system; and whether he proposes to take any action on the recommendations of the Committee?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSI have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Batley and Morley on Tuesday, a copy of which I am sending them.