HC Deb 26 November 1947 vol 444 cc1979-80
36. Dr. Segal

asked the Postmaster-General why no special stamp has been issued to commemorate the Royal Wedding.

38. Mr. J. H. Hare

asked the Postmaster-General why no special issue of postage stamps to commemorate the Royal Wedding has been made.

Mr. Hobson

Much to my regret, the time available between the announcement and the date of the wedding did not suffice for the design, printing and issue of a special postage stamp worthy of the occasion, but a special commemorative cancellation mark, which the hon. Members have no doubt seen, was designed and brought into use throughout the United Kingdom.

Dr. Segal

How was it possible for the Dominions, which are many thousands of miles away from the scene of this celebration, to find time to issue commemorative stamps. whereas all our own Post Office found time to do was to get itself tied up in knots over this matter?

Mr. Hobson

The Dominions and Great Britain are not comparable in this matter. Their requirements in the number of stamps are considerably different from ours. We require 350 million stamps, and they take a long time to print.

Dr. Segal

Is not this another instance of the almost total lack of imagination shown by the Post Office?

Mr. Hobson

No, it takes approximately nine months to design, print, and have in circulation a postage stamp—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"]—under the procedure usually adopted by the Department. The design of the stamp alone takes three months, and then it has to be submitted to His Majesty the King.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will my hon. Friend consider that it is still not too late—[HON. MEMBERS: "It is."]—to take action as desired by the questioner? May I have an answer?

Mr. Hobson

Put that question down, and we will have a look at it.

44. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to issue a commemorative stamp for the recent Royal Wedding.

Mr. Hobson

No, Sir. A commemorative cancellation mark specially designed for the occasion is already in use throughout the United Kingdom. Much to my regret, the time available between the announcement and the date of the wedding did not suffice for the design, printing and issue of a special postage stamp worthy of the occasion.

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