asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the delays in settling cases before the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors; whether he is aware that only five cases have been taken since November last; what is the size of the staff employed by the Government in this Department; whether he is aware that serious inconvenience and hardships are caused to inventors; and whether he will take steps to see that the work of this Department is speeded up?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in thinking that only five cases have been taken since November last. Since that date the Commission has heard and disposed of 16 cases, the hearing of one alone of which occupied six full days. The staff of the Commission consists of six persons, namely, the secretary, two clerks, two typists and one messenger. Mr. Justice Tomlin, who presides, is unable to spare more time from his judicial functions; and, in view of the importance and technical character of the cases which come before the Commission, and the large sums of public money which are involved, I do not think that any further action can be taken to expedite the work.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are cases in which inventors have had to file their petitions in bankruptcy owing to the delay in settling these claims, which causes great hardship, and will he see that they are expedited?

Yes, Sir, we are doing everything we can to hasten the matter. If the hon. Member will send me individual cases I will deal with them.

How many cases are there still to dispose of?

I could not tell the hon. Member without notice.