§ 12. Mr. David Steelasked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will give a general direction to the Post Office, in receiving pre-decimal stamps for costing at a discount, not to refuse to accept amounts less than £1.
§ Mr. ChatawayNo, Sir. I understand that so far as £ s. d. stamps are concerned, the minimum quantity prescribed is either a quarter sheet or a half sheet, depending on the denomination. A face value of as little as five shillings can therefore be eligible for re-purchase.
§ Mr. SteelWill the Minister look at this matter again sympathetically? I have received a letter from an old-age pensioner in my constituency, together with all the forms that she has filled in, which involve the sum of 3s. 4d. The trouble is that there are no special arrangements to take in the pre-decimal stamps. The Post Office is using the standard form for the re-purchase of stamps. Would it not be simpler to allow people to hand unused stamps over the counter and be given the equivalent decimal value stamps in return? Surely there is no need for this bureaucracy.
§ Mr. ChatawayI am sure that the Post Office will take account of the hon. 1485 Gentleman's views. The Post Office gave substantial notice—
§ Mr. Arthur LewisIt did not.
§ Mr. Chataway—of the date on which £ s. d. stamps would cease to operate. Last July the Post Office announced when these stamps would cease to be valid. That was six months after the date on which pre-decimal currency ceased to be valid.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that, unconsciously, he has not spoken the truth? Is he aware that the Post Office has not issued proper Press notices and publicity? It issued only two Press announcements, which were not published in all the newspapers. In fact, if anyone in private industry were to promise something—as the Post Office did concerning stamps—and then withdraw that promise and try to make a profit, he would be charged with extortion. What the Post Office is trying to do is not really the proper way to run the establishment.
§ Mr. ChatawayThere is no question of making a profit. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it has been the practice of the Post Office for a long time to make a discount to cover administrative charges. If it did not cover the administrative charges in that way other Post Office users would have to bear them. The Post Office made its announcement last July and, I am told, took considerable steps to publicise it.
§ Mr. LewisOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.