HC Deb 26 October 1966 vol 734 cc992-3
10. Mr. Grieve

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of dissatisfaction in the motor industry with the free advertisement given to the British Motor Corporation and Jaguar company by the issue of the postage stamp showing three Mini cars and an E-type Jaguar; and what steps he proposes to avoid unfair discrimination of this kind in future.

Mr. Short

I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction with the design of this stamp, although I have received a number of representations from the agents of one particular manufacturer. It is difficult to avoid depicting products of a particular firm when illustrating such subjects as technology, but I will bear the hon. and learned Gentleman's views in mind in connection with future issues.

Mr. Grieve

But surely the right hon. Gentleman must be aware that it is not a question of design that is at issue here but a question of the use of Her Majesty's postage to advertise certain products. On what basis were these cars chosen and why, at any rate in the case of the second car, was not a vehicle which had received the Queen's Award for Industry chosen instead? Surely the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that it is invidious to use the post for advertising in this way?

Mr. Short

What we were trying to do was to advertise the excellence of British technology. Motor car manufacture and export performance is a very important element in that. The alternative would have been an identikit motor car and I do not think that anyone would have cared for that.

Mr. Robert Cooke

Will the right hon. Gentleman put the Severn Bridge on one of his stamps?

Mr. Short

I agree with the hon. Gentleman. There is a very good case for an issue on contemporary bridges—including not only the Severn but the Forth and the Tay and others. One of the things for which this generation will be remembered is the excellent bridges we are building.