HC Deb 12 March 1952 vol 497 c1385
58. Brigadier R. Medlicott

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if, in connection with the new postage stamps, he will introduce designs containing pictures of famous buildings and national landmarks, as has been done with success for many years in the case of postage stamps of the Colonial Empire.

Mr. Gammans

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion will be borne in mind, but the size of the stamps in regular use does not lend itself to effective designs of this sort.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is the Minister aware that a rather more imaginative range of stamps would certainly be very popular amongst foreign collectors, which is not an unimportant factor in a matter of this kind?

Mr. Gammans

I am aware of that, but the difficulty, of course, is that the size of the small value stamps in regular use does not leave very much freedom for very elaborate designs.

59. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General when the preparation of designs for new postage stamps is to be put in hand; and if the work of designing will be made open to competition.

Mr. Gammans

Arrangements are already in hand. In consultation with the Council of Industrial Design, artists will be invited to compete in the matter of designs.