§ MR. HENNIKER HEATONI beg to ask the Postmaster General, will he explain why, although used and unused Foreign stamps could formerly be sent by book post, in January last a new regulation provided that only used stamps could be so transmitted; whether he is aware that the used stamps, and particularly rare varieties, are as a rule just as valuable to a thief or other possessor as those which are unused; whether it is still permitted to post a stamped and addressed envelope in an open envelope or cover by book post, although, if the stamp be unattached to the enclosed envelope, the whole must be sent by letter post; and, whether in view of the fact that Foreign stamps are largely exchanged or sent for inspection by post, he will allow such stamps to be enclosed, used or unused, in an open envelope, or cover, for transmission by book post, as was formerly allowed?
§ MR. ARNOLD MORLEYThe new regulation to which the hon. Member refers was introduced in order to check the objectionable practice of sending paper money (which term includes postage stamps) by post in open envelopes, and I think it is a wise provision. Under the Postal Union rules, obliterated as well as unobliterated stamps are excluded from transmission by book post; but within the United Kingdom obliterated stamps are at present allowed to pass by book post, though I can hardly suppose that valuable stamps would often be sent in such a way. It is still permitted to enclose in an open packet a stamped addressed envelope forwarded in order that such envelope may be returned through the post to the sender of the packet.