HC Deb 03 July 1969 vol 786 c624
3. Mr. Turton

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will include in this year's Christmas issue a 4d. stamp to encourage the sending of Christmas cards.

Mr. Stonehouse

Yes, Sir. I have decided to alter the make-up of the Christmas, 1969, issue to include a 4d. stamp. The issue will still consist of three stamps, but the values will be 4d., 5d. and Is. 6d. The date of the issue will be Wednesday, 26th November.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman accept the fact that this decision will be welcomed, especially by the elderly people who set such store on sending Christmas cards?

Mr. Stonehouse

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for that remark. We made this decision because we are anxious to ensure that everyone wishing to send Christmas cards by second-class post will be able to use Christmas commemorative stamps, and we are satisfied that there will be no operational objection to doing this.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

Will my right hon. Friend consider a 3d. postage for Christmas cards, on the lines I suggested last year'? As I predicted, the number of cards sent fell last year due to the increased postal charges.

Mr. Stonehouse

The number of cards did fall, as I informed the House, but a 3d. rate would be uneconomic and I could not entertain it.