HC Deb 23 February 1972 vol 831 cc317-8W
58. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will give an assurance that any assigna tion or licensing to parties other than Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd. of patents purchased by the Government from Rolls-Royce Ltd. will be made at the full economic price.

Mr. Corfield

No. One of the conditions under which the receiver agreed to assign all the Rolls-Royce patents to the Government was that the Government would make available to the receiver or at his direction, and at no charge, such patents as may be agreed to be requisite for the purposes of carrying on any part of the Rolls-Royce undertaking not acquired by Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd.

In recognition of this arrangement it was agreed that, in setting the price of those assets, including patents, acquired by or on behalf of Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd., the whole of the consideration paid to the receiver on the acquisition of the Rolls-Royce patents by Her Majesty's Government should be regarded as a general payment on account.