HC Deb 09 April 1897 vol 48 cc837-8
MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that an embossed stamp removed from a spoiled or unused telegraph form (A 1) will be accepted in payment, or part payment, of a telegram, but that embossed stamps cut out from envelopes or wrappers will not be accepted in payment of postage for a letter; and whether he is aware that the embossed stamps cut from envelopes and used for postage are not only defaced by postal employés, but the addressee is fined double the actual postage?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

The Postmaster General is aware that embossed stamps removed from spoiled or unused telegraph forms are accepted in payment or part payment of telegrams, and also that embossed stamps cut out from envelopes or wrappers are not accepted in payment of postage on letters. The 19th Section of the Post Office Act, 1870, distinctly directs that they shall not be so used, and directs that when they are so used the letter shall be dealt with as not prepaid. Embossed stamps improperly fixed to envelopes may in the hurry of stamping get defaced, but as they have already lost their value the owner of the letter is not injured.