§ MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state what steps are being taken to issue new postage stamps; will he take care that a clearly visible mark of the value; of the stamp, such as that on the 2d. stamp, be impressed on each new stamp; and will he give the public an opportunity of seeing the designs of the proposed stamps; and will he provide for the issue of the new penny stamp in royal scarlet, or red colour, in place of the present mauve colour.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe necessary steps are being taken for the issue of new postage stamps, but it is not expected that they will be ready for some months to come. The Postmaster General would point out to the hon. Member that, with the exception of the halfpenny, penny, and shilling stamps, all the adhesive stamps now in use do hear figures clearly indicating their value, and the same plan will probably lie continued. In the case of the three stamps particularised they are of so distinctive a character that it was not thought necessary to print on them the value, in figures as well as in words, and the Postmaster General is not aware of any inconvenience having resulted. He does not think it desirable to submit the designs of the proposed stamps to the public. The Postmaster General is not satisfied that any sufficient reason exists for altering the colour of the penny stamp as suggested by the hon. Member.