HC Deb 10 November 1926 vol 199 cc1074-5
32. Sir HARRY BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give the approximate cost per annum which would be required for the purchase of rights in the obliterating postmark on all letters despatched from this country to the Continent?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Viscount Wolmer)

The process of stamp cancellation is necessarily performed before letters are sorted according to their destinations, and so it is impossible to confine a particular postmark to letters for particular destinations. I could not, therefore, give the estimate for which my hon. Friend asks.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Will the Noble Lord consider the suggestion to help a national effort, such as the "Come to Britain" movement, in the course of the obliteration of the stamps?

Viscount WOLMER

All my hon. Friend's suggestions will be carefully considered.

Colonel DAY

Can the Noble Lord say whether it is a fact that this machine is made in America?

Viscount WOLMER

The dies are made in England.

Colonel DAY

Is the machine made in America?

Viscount WOLMER

The machine that cancels the stamps on letters is made in America. It is not manufactured in this country. If it were manufactured in this country my right hon. Friend would purchase it.