HC Deb 07 May 1963 vol 677 cc226-7
50. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General why he is issuing a Shakespeare postage stamp; and when it will be issued.

Mr. Mawby

Our policy is to issue special stamps to mark current events of outstanding national or international importance and Royal and postal anniversaries and occasions. A wide variety of commemorative festivals and exhibitions are planned in this country to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare Taken together they will constitute an outstanding event fully warranting a special stamp issue. This will be made on 23rd April, 1964.

Mr. Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is the first satisfactory Answer that I have received from the Postmaster-General since I have been in this House? Now that it has taken 400 years to recognise Shakespeare, will the hon. Gentleman say when the time for other celebrities will come?

Mr. Mawby

Bearing in mind the points that I have made, I see no reason why we should not follow the lines which the hon. Gentleman has indicated.

Mr. G. Thomas

Will the Assistant Postmaster-General now give consideration to a stamp for William Williams Pantycelyn?

Mr. Mawby

If the hon. Gentleman will give me details about who this gentleman is, I will study them.

51. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General when he proposes to issue a Burns postage stamp.

Mr. Mawby

My right hon. Friend has no present plans for issuing a Burns postage stamp.

Mr. Hughes

When Shakespeare appears on the stamp he will blush at that Answer. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that nearly every other person knows the date of the birth of Burns, but that very few English people know the date of Shakespeare's birth?