asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce to state the number of patent applications lodged in Great Britain since August, 1929, in the names of Mr. J.J. Drumm and Celia, Ltd., whether jointly or separately; to state the date, title and filing number of each such application, and in respect of each whether any patent has been sealed, complete specification lodged, complete specification accepted, or whether it has been abandoned.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Patent Applications by Mr. J.J. Drumm and Celia, Ltd.
One of the main objects of the code of patent law is the protecting and safeguarding of the interests of inventors and of its financing them, and the Deputy will, I feel sure, on further consideration of the matters referred to in his question, agree with me that it would not be in the interests of any of the parties who have undertaken the development of the Drumm battery to disclose information of the kind requested.
Would it not be possible for anyone to get this information by having a search made?
If it is possible then that course is open to the Deputy.
Am I to take it that the Minister declines to give the information?
As I put it in reply to the Deputy's question, I feel sure that on consideration of the matters referred to in the question he will agree that it is not in the interests of any of the parties concerned to disclose such information.
It is possible for the public to get this information, but the Minister declines to facilitate a member of the House.
I decline to facilitate the Deputy because, as I say, it is not in the public interest to disclose the information.