HC Deb 06 February 1957 vol 564 cc414-5
7. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General if he is yet in a position to announce the designs and colours for the various denominations of stamps which he intends to issue to commemorate the 200th anniversary in 1959 of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns.

Mr. K. Thompson

I am aware of the strong desire in Scotland to mark the bicentenary of the birth of Robert Burns, but I have nothing to add at present to the information which has already been given to the hon. and learned Member in reply to his earlier Questions and letters on this subject.

Mr. Hughes

As a matter of policy, would it not be good for the Postmaster-General to begin to pay some honour to our great men instead of leaving it to Russia and other foreign countries who have honoured our great men in this way?

Mr. Thompson

One of the complications in doing what the hon. and learned Gentleman suggests is that we would have so many great men to pay tribute to that it would be difficult to choose one against another. I will, however, draw my right hon. Friend's attention to any representations that are made by the hon. and learned Friend.