A.—s

Thirteenth Day. 8 May 1907.

Mr. DEAKIN : That is an unattainable ideal at present. It can be approached, but not reached, and it can only be approached by steps. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : This is the first step, I think, to greater uniformity. Mr. DEAKIN : I quite agree with that. Sir WILLIAM ROBSON : That a uniformity of law is desirable is a very safe expression. Mr. DEAKIN : It goes without saying. Sir WILLIAM ROBSON : But that you should pledge yourselves to bringing about uniformity of law involves difficulties Mr. DEAKIN : Ido not suggest that. I adopted Mr. Lloyd George's words and was suggesting that you might go on to invite us first of all to furnish to you at the centre of the Empire, if you do not possess them, schedules of particulars setting forth our Patent Laws. Then having obtained those from each of the self-governing Dominions, you could compare them and see in what particular modes it would be an advantage to bring them into line. You would inform each one what would be necessary to bring its law into a general harmony. Probably all would accept it with minor amendments. The consequence would be that you would have taken the longest stride that is now possible towards uniformity. Sir WILLIAM ROBSON : Uniformity of law, any resolution expressing the desirability of obtaining uniformity of law, might have very beneficial results, but Ido not think beyond that we should proceed at present. We are now in the middle of a discussion on a Patents Bill in the House of Commons which is of a somewhat elaborate character, and we have also to consider there, as we have in nearly every case, the international conventions. We should want a good deal of time to think over the effect before altering our Imperial patent law. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : Take the Bill which is before the House now; we are introducing for the first time the principle of compulsory working of foreign patents. I should very much like to see that extended throughout the Empire, and that is why I think a resolution of this kind might be exceedingly useful. Mr. DEAKIN : I quite agree with the resolution as you read it, and as I followed it. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : And it would be a very good work for the new Secretariat to take up. Mr. DEAKIN : An excellent work. Mr. LLOYD GEORGE : To try and collate these laws i

Uniformity of Patent Laws.

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