Disclosure of matter, etc., between earlier and later applications

Where an application is made for a patent under section 17 and a declaration is made in accordance with section 21(1) in or in connection with that application specifying an earlier application, the first-mentioned application and any patent granted in pursuance thereof shall not be invalidated by reason only of the fact that any subject matter disclosed in the earlier application was made available to the public at any time after the date of filing of the said earlier application. 21