HC Deb 12 March 1963 vol 673 cc1160-1
23. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Postmaster-General which events have been marked by special issues of stamps in the last four years.

Mr. Mawby

In 1960, the tercentenary of the establishment of the General Letter Office, and the first anniversary of the Conference of European Postal and Telecommunications Administrations were marked by special issues.

In 1961, the centenary of the Post Office Savings Bank, the meeting of the Conference of European Postal and Telecommunications Administrations held in this country, and the seventh Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which was also held in this country were marked by special issues.

In 1962, the start of National Productivity Year was marked by a special issue.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

As the majority of those commemorative issues were for what might be described as postal matters only, will not my hon. Friend consider the basis on which these choices are made? Does he not consider that they should be made on matters of national importance and interest rather than purely parochial matters affecting the Post Office?

Mr. Mawby

We will certainly consider that. I draw my hon. Friend's attention, however, to the statement made by my right hon. Friend in December concerning the stamps which are to be issued this year, from which will be seen the wide nature of the issues, including the Freedom from Hunger Campaign, National Nature Week, the International Lifeboat Conference and the Red Cross Centenary Congress, to name but a few.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Can we be assured by that reply that the policy has changed and that these issues will in future be made on a much wider basis?

Mr. Mawby

Yes. The policy has certainly become more liberal—with, of course, a small "1".

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is not the appearance of a Tory working man on the Front Bench speaking for the Post Office an occasion which should be marked by a special postage stamp?