Receipt Stamps (Postal Franking Machines)

HC Deb 16 June 1955 vol 542 cc750-1

40. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will allow the use of postal franking machines for the stamping of receipts.

Mr. H. Brooke

No, Sir. I am afraid the danger of forgery, with consequent loss of revenue, is too great.

Mr. Hall

Can my right hon. Friend explain how there is a greater danger of forgery in using the machine for these purposes than in using it for ordinary letter mail?

Mr. Brooke

Yes, because the postal franking of the ordinary letter has only a short-term use. It may be necessary to keep a receipt for years. Postal franks will be examined almost immediately by the Post Office, whereas a forged form of receipt might not come to anybody's notice for a very long time.