HC Deb 11 December 1957 vol 579 cc1257-8
46. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has for revising books of stamps in view of the new postage rates; and whether he will consider introducing a 10s. stamp book.

Mr. K. Thompson

A new 4s. 6d. book containing eighteen 3d. stamps was put on sale in October. Early in the New Year the present 2s. 6d. book will be replaced by a 3s. book containing six stamps each of ½d., 1d., 1½d, and 3d. denominations; and the contents of the 5s. book will be changed to six stamps each of the ½d., 1d. and 2½d. denominations and twelve 3d. stamps.

I will keep in mind my hon. Friend's point about a 10s. book, but I think it is very doubtful whether the sales would justify the cost of producing and stocking one.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

As it takes about 25 per cent. more in value to post a given number of letters and postcards than it did previously—

Mr. Thompson indicated dissent.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

—would my hon. Friend consider whether it would not be a good idea to have a 7s. 6d. book, which would enable one to post almost the same amount of letters as did the 5s. book?

Mr. Thompson

No, Sir, we have to keep in mind the multiplicity of stock items kept in post offices and how best we can meet the convenience of our customers. The 5s. books are usually adequate for most purposes and my hon. Friend can buy two for 10s.

Mr. G. Brown

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the view of his hon. Friends that it now requires 7s. 6d. to give us what 5s. used to give us before the Government really got going?

Mr. Thompson

I tried as politely as I could to indicate dissent while my hon. Friend was speaking.