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dispute arose. The central office, however, apart from its duties as a registering office, might be equipped for a search into novelty, and such search should comprise not only the patents of the Empire, but the specifications and publications of all the world. Any inventor who had already obtained a patent in one of the branch offices would have the right, on payment of a substantial fee, to have such search for novelty made in respect of his patent, and the specification amended as a result of the examinations reported. In such a case the fact of the search having taken place would be recorded on the patent, and it would probably be advisable to have a new specification printed in a different form. Such an examination would afford a very considerable security to the inventor, and be useful commercially. V. Replies received. Replies have been received from India and all the Dominions, with the exception of Australia, to the memorandum prepared by the Board of Trade. The Governments of India, Canada, and Newfoundland assent to the proposal to hold a conference of technical delegates. The Government of New Zealand raised certain questions which it was deemed desirable should be considered before a conference was called. A reply has been sent to these questions, and no further communication has yet been received. The Government of South Africa raised certain objections to the proposals made, to which a reply has also been sent, but that Government has not yet agreed to the conference being held. VI. In view of the importance of the question, the Board submit that it would be desirable to place the subject on the agenda for consideration by the Imperial Cabinet. If the proposal is accepted, the papers, memoranda, and correspondence can be submitted to the Imperial Cabinet. Board of Trade, 30th March, 1921.

9—A. 4.