HC Deb 19 October 1966 vol 734 cc193-4
12. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Postmaster-General when he plans to issue a new series of postage stamps; and if he will, in preparation for doing so, consult beforehand Scottish educational, sporting, tourist and industrial authorities so that their views may be expressed in the new designs for the benefit of Scotland.

21. Mr. Cordle

asked the Postmaster-General what plans he has to issue a special stamp commemorating British Railways' technological achievements in connection with the large-scale electrification programme.

The Postmaster-General (Mr. Edward Short)

I am considering the various suggestions put forward for our future special stamp programme and shall make an announcement shortly. I have well in mind the aspirations of Scotland as of the other parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Postmaster-General find some way of expressing on a postage stamp that Aberdeen, Scotland and also Britain have done exceptionally well in sport this year?

Mr. Short

I will do my best, but I think I would have great difficulty in expressing some of my hon. Friend's supplementary questions on a postage stamp.

Mr. Cordle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is 18 months since British Railways asked the Postmaster-General whether or not he would commemorate the £175 million scheme of electrification of the railway between London, Liverpool and Manchester, and that they were refused that particular issue because there were to be only four issues in 1966? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been eight issues? Is it not possible, even at this late stage, to have a special issue—and commemorating the electrification of the Bournemouth line?

Mr. Short

It is clearly too late in 1966. As I said, we are considering the programme for 1967. We have got 50 or 60 proposals. I hope to be able to announce this very shortly.

Mr. Hogg

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what my constituents want is a better postal service and not new gimmicky postage stamps?

Mr. Ridsdale

Could the right hon. Gentleman consider the issue of a rubber stamp to commemorate the obedience of his back benchers?