§ Mr. BOLANDasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in India there is no extra charge or deduction of a stamp in the sale of stamps in booklets, that sixteen one-anna stamps, or thirty-two half-anna stamps, or half and half, are given for one rupee, and that specially prepared paper is inserted between the stamps to prevent sticking; and whether, in view of the fact that no advertisements are inserted in the booklets and that the rupee is frequently not worth 1s. 4d. on exchange, he will state on what grounds the purchaser of stamp booklets in the United Kingdom is compelled to pay more than the face value of the stamps issued?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware of the circmstances to which the hon. Member refers, but I have no information as to the cost incurred by the Indian Post Office. If the books were issued in this country at the face value of the stamps, under the present conditions there would be a considerable loss of revenue, which would increase as the sale of the books increased; but, as I informed the hon. Member a few days ago, I am giving special consideration to the question whether the present conditions of production and sale can be improved.
§ Mr. BOLANDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the 602 German Government is going to issue, in October, stamp booklets giving purchasers value in stamps for the money actually paid? I have here in my hand an official dummy copy of the booklet showing that the purchaser will get full value.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI was not informed of that, but I hope it may be possible to increase the revenue from advertisements, and to realise what I know is the general desire of the public.
§ Mr. BELLOCMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been particularly called to the fact that the paper now used between the stamps is unsuitable? It is a small point, but it is very important.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat is being considered in connection with the new contract.
§ Mr. BOLANDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the British Post Office is the only Post Office in the world that goes in for issuing advertisements? In the case of India, apparently without advertisements, the full face value is supplied.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat shows the high business qualities of the British Post Office. They endeavour to meet the loss on issuing these stamps as far as possible by revenue from advertisements.
§ Mr. BYLESMay I ask whether the charges for postcards and newspaper covers in this country could not be removed?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat is another question. It is also under inquiry.