HC Deb 09 February 1972 vol 830 cc1323-4
19. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will issue a general direction to the Post Office Board to continue to honour pre-decimal stamps until February, 1973, and to give a full value rebate on all such stamps handed in for cashing.

Mr. Chataway

No, Sir. This is a matter for the Post Office.

Mr. Lewis

Has the Minister's attention been drawn to the fact that, apart from a one-inch single column stop-press item in one newspaper stating that as from 28th February pre-decimal stamps would have no value and would have to be traded in at a discount loss, the public have been unaware of this Post Office direction? Surely long and adequate notice of this decision should be given by the Post Office, which should repurchase these stamps at their cash value. Why should the Post Office be able to give only two or three weeks' notice to persons who may have purchased books or large quantities of stamps and who will not be able to dispose of them al their full value?

Mr. Chataway

The Post Office announced last July that £ s. d. stamps would not remain valid after the end of this month and that statement was followed by a reminder in January. In fact, these stamps will have been valid for six months beyond the point when pre-decimal currency ceased to be legal tender. The Post Office has behaved more than reasonably in the matter. On the question of discount, the Post Office has always charged a discount for the re-purchase of stamps, so that no new principle is involved here.

Mr. Costain

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this decision is not generally known by the public?

Mr. Lewis

Hear, hear.

Mr. Costain

Will he give a general direction to the Post Office to frank letters between now and the 28th drawing the public's attention to this fact so that the public have a fair chance of using up their pre-decimal stamps?

Mr. Chataway

I will ask the Post Office to take account of my hon. Friend's suggestion and to consider whether any further means exist to publicise these facts.

Mr. Lewis

On a point of order. In view of the fact that the Minister has not given a satisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.