HC Deb 17 March 1965 vol 708 cc267-8W
Mr. Anthony Fell

asked the Minister of Aviation what reduction in the royalties payable by Her Majesty's Government to the Western Electric Company in the United States of America has resulted from the successful action by the Government in the High Court to the extension of that Company's patent number 694021 relating to transistors.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The financial terms of the agreements between the Ministry of Aviation and the General Post Office on the one hand and Western Electric Company on the other expired on 31st December, 1964. Negotiations are currently taking place regarding terms for Crown use of all Western Electric patents for a further period. Until these negotiations have been completed the effect of the expiry of British Patent 694021 cannot be assessed.