§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects to complete the investigation by his licensing branch into the allegation that unauthorised production or marketing of trackway is being undertaken by the Singapore Government in breach of a British patent held by Laird (Anglesey) Limited; when the allegation first came to his notice and by what means; and if he will make a statement;
(2) further to his answer to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn of 17 February, Official Report, column 525, when the allegation of unauthorised production of trackway was first brought to Her Majesty's Government's attention; and by what means.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonThe allegation was first made by Mr. V. O'Connor, managing director of Laird Anglesey Limited in June 1984 with further evidence in February 1985 and raised serious and complicated issues both of proof and enforceability. It is not a question of a patent held by Laird Anglesey Limited but of Crown copyright. My officials are currently in correspondence with the Singapore MOD.