§ 5. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Postmaster-General if he proposes to continue the policy of the previous Government with regard to the issue of a Burns stamp.
§ 40. Sir H. Kerrasked the Postmaster-General whether, to mark the 700th anniversary of Parliament in 1965, he will issue stamps to commemorate the event, bearing if possible a picture of Simon de Montfort.
§ Mr. BennAs I said in reply to the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Mr. Webster) on 10th November, I am currently reviewing Post Office policy with regard to the issue of postage stamps, and will make a statement later.
In this review, I shall consider the claims for a Burns stamp and a stamp to mark the 700th anniversary of Parliament.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that his statement will arouse considerable interest in Scotland? Is he aware of the possibilities of a considerable amount of money coming from the Scots through this stamp? Does he realise that many hundreds of thousands of Scots overseas, who were driven there during the years of the Labour Government—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—during the thirteen years of Tory Government—will be very glad to get a stamp to show that there has been a change in this country?
§ Sir H. KerrDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the centenary of 178 the sitting of the first Parliament in 1265 in Westminster Hall requires special notice not only in this country but in the whole Commonwealth?
§ Mr. BennThat is one of the points I am considering, but I must point out to the hon. Gentleman that it is now too late to issue a stamp of this kind in January, and such a stamp, if it were agreed that one should be issued as part of the review of stamp policy, would not be able to come out till later in the year.
§ Mr. George JegerWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind, when considering the design for a Burns stamp, that Burns was a very enthusiastic volunteer in the Forces, and that if a stamp carries the design of Burns in military uniform it will not only please my hon. Friend the Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) but stimulate recruiting?
§ Mr. Emrys Hughesrose—