HC Deb 16 July 1958 vol 591 cc1226-7
29. Mr. Knox Cunningham

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to issue the special stamp for Northern Ireland.

31. Mr. Llewellyn

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to issue the distinctive stamps for the different parts of the United Kingdom.

34. Mr. Gower

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to issue the distinctive stamps for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, respectively.

Mr. K. Thompson

The new 3d. stamps for Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Monmouthshire, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, will be put on sale on Monday, 18th August. The new 6d. and 1s. 3d. stamps for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and Monmouthshire will be put on sale on Monday, 29th September. Details of the designs of the twelve stamps will be published shortly before the 3d. denominations are issued.

Mr. Knox Cunningham

I thank my hon. Friend for his reply, which will give satisfaction to many people in Northern Ireland. Can he say whether it is intended to change the design of these stamps from time to time?

Mr. Thompson

I am glad to have my hon. Friend's assurance that these new designs will be welcome. I think we had better see how we go along before we commit ourselves to changing them.

Mr. Gower

As there has been a good deal of evidence that the Post Office is becoming more adventurous in the matter of the designs of stamps, can my hon. Friend say whether it is intended in future to embark on more pictorial designs advertising the beauty of this country and the great and significant happenings in our history?

Mr. Thompson

My own view is that the present policy of the Post Office of very limited extension of our stamp range is probably the right one.

Mr. Lipton

When are we going to have some cheaper stamps?

Mr. Thompson

We have stamps at a wide range of prices, if the hon. Gentleman will inquire at any of our offices.