§ 19. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Postmaster-General if he will State the principles which have guided his Department in deciding the design and time of issue of new designs of postage stamps during the last fifty years; how, and how often, those principles and their implementation have varied during those years; and what those principles now are.
§ Mr. MarplesThe principles have been and still are to maintain the Monarch's head as the basic feature of our stamps; to make new issues for each reign; and, since 1924, occasionally to issue special stamps to mark current events of outstanding significance and notable Royal or postal anniversaries.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister realise that other nations in the Commonwealth have introduced the heads of famous figures on stamps, without in any way interfering with the Sovereign's head? Why stick to antediluvian methods?
§ Mr. MarplesI am not responsible for stamps issued in the Commonwealth. 408 Secondly, I must reiterate that the principle on which stamps are issued in this country is that the Monarch's head should be the principal feature.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Minister understand plain English? Does he not understand that I am not making any attempt to exclude the Monarch's head from the Post Office stamps but suggesting that the two features can be combined?
§ Mr. MarplesSome feature is the dominating feature, and in this case it is the Monarch's head. I am not certain that all the people who have been famous in history would necessarily make a good combination with the present Monarch's head.
§ 20. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that for many years Her Majesty's Government have declined to celebrate by the issue of special postage stamps British citizens famous in literature, art, sport and other forms of human endeavour, and that other nations have shown, by their practice, that they do not refuse to honour their famous citizens in this way; and if he will appoint a cultural committee to consider the relevant problems and make recommendations.
§ Mr. MarplesI am satisfied that the policy of the Post Office in this matter is sound, and I see no need for a committee of the kind the hon. and learned Member suggests.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Postmaster-General realise that his objection to consulting educated people is unworthy of the Postmaster-General of a civilised country like Britain?
§ Mr. MarplesI cannot accept that statement. I consult a large number of educated people on the Post Office Advisory Council, including some hon. Members opposite, who I presume are educated.
§ 29. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Postmaster-General if he will issue a special stamp to commemorate the trans-Antarctic journey of Dr. Fuchs.
§ Mr. MarplesNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that the rather flimsy reason which he 409 gave for the rejection of the Burns stamp do not apply to a stamp to commemorate the feat of Dr. Fuchs? Is he aware that the Monarch's head can be combined with a suitable design, as was done in the case of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference? When, other countries would rush to honour their great people in this way, does he not think it is time that he revised these ideas of the Post Office?
§ Mr. MarplesWe have a very full stamp programme. This year there are twelve new regional stamps, one of which is for the country which has the honour to have the hon. Member as one of its citizens. We also have three stamps for the Empire Games. We are producing more than we have ever produced before. If we are to single out every achievement, where should we stop?—climbing Everest, or running the mile in less than four minutes? There must be some point at which it is possible to decide to issue a stamp.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.