HL Deb 27 November 1968 vol 297 cc1203-4
LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will now take steps to ensure that there is enough gum on our fivepenny stamps to make them stick.]

BARONESS SEROTA

My Lords, I understand from the inquiries I have made that the Post Office maintains continuous checks on the amount and quality of the gum used on stamps to ensure that it is adequate for its purpose. So my answer to the noble Lord is that it really all depends on the strength of your lick.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for her reply, may I ask her to bear in mind that according to my mail it is not only the 5d. stamps but all the others to which this applies? It is not the strength of my lick but the strength of the gum that matters. Would the noble Baroness also bear in mind that while it is hard enough to put stamps on, it is heartrending when they blow away.

BARONESS HORSBRUGH

My Lords, does the noble Baroness realise that this applies also to the 4d. stamps and that it does not in the least matter how strong your lick is if you find absolutely no gum—as I found on three stamps this morning?

BARONESS SEROTA

My Lords, my reply to the noble Lord, Lord Boothby, applied to all stamps and not only to 5d. stamps. It may be that people are somewhat misled by the fact that the gum at present used is clearer in appearance than the gum used at one time. I can assure the noble Baroness that regular checks are taken. Samples are sent to the Government chemists every week and they always come up to standard. If the noble Baroness has a particular complaint I am sure that my right honourable friend will be only too glad to examine it.

LORD BOOTHBY

My Lords, I must ask the noble Baroness whether she does not realise that it is not clear gum that we want; it is sticky gum.

THE MARQUESS OF ABERDEEN AND TEMAIR

My Lords, is it not better to lick the envelope and then put the stamp on?

BARONESS SEROTA

My Lords, it is a matter of taste.

BARONESS HORSBRUGH

My Lords, does the noble Baroness realise that I have tried both this morning, and that neither avails?