HC Deb 03 December 1947 vol 445 cc363-4
16. Mr. Keeling

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that four days before the Royal Wedding the Australian Government issued a commemorative postage stamp, of which first the design and then a proof had been despatched from Australia and approved by His Majesty; whether he realises that if he had initiated with equal energy a commemorative stamp in this country much pleasure would have been given to the public and many, dollars obtained; and whether he will arrange for special stamps to be prepared promptly on future occasions of national rejoicing.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

I understand this is a new permanent penny stamp of the Commonwealth which had been put in course of production some months previous to the announcement of Her Royal Highness' wedding. As stated in reply to the hon. Member for Preston (Dr. Segal) and the hon. Member for Woodbridge (Mr. Hare) on 26th November, I much regret that the time available between the announcement and the date of the wedding did not suffice for the design, printing and issue of a special stamp worthy of the occasion. I can assure the hon. Member that the question of issuing special postage stamps on suitable occasions always receives due consideration.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the smaller the initial issue, the higher would have been the price obtainable in dollars and cents; and is he further aware that the inaction of the Post Office in this matter is, in the view of many people, typical of the timid and tepid response of the Government to the public desire to honour this great national event?

Mr. Paling

What I am aware of is that the hon. Gentleman has tried to prove by citing the case of the Commonwealth that we have been timid, and that his case falls to the ground completely on the answer I have given.