HC Deb 08 May 1963 vol 677 c69W
73. Mr, J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Aviation what circumstances led his Department to recognise the United States Westinghouse Company's claim to patent rights for transistors.

Mr. Marten

The Western Electric Company, to which I understand the hon. Member is referring, is the owner of a large number of United Kingdom patents covering transistors and other electronic inventions. The inventions protected by the transistor patents are being and will be used in equipment purchased by the Ministry of Aviation. In these circumstances we have a statutory obligation to inform the patentee and, if possible, to agree with him terms of use. This has been done, the terms of use covering all Western Electric patents.