HL Deb 21 January 1969 vol 298 cc899-900
LORD SANDYS

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 on what basis the ships illustrated in the new issue of postage stamps were selected and what interests were consulted before the choice was made.]

LORD BOWLES

My Lords, the stamps illustrate British merchant ships since the 16th century, and each ship shown is intended to represent an important element in the history of British shipping. Except for the "Queen Elizabeth 2", the choice of ships was left to the artists who submitted designs. In making his final choice from these designs, my right honourable friend the Postmaster General was guided by the recommendations of his Stamp Advisory Committee. No commercial or other interests were allowed to influence the choice, but technical advice was sought where appropriate.

LORD SANDYS

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that reply, I would ask him whether he would not agree that it is somewhat unusual that one particular commercial interest should be represented twice in this particular issue. The alternative 1s. stamp shows R.M.S. "Mauretania" and the 5d. shows R.M.S. "Queen Elizabeth 2"; and both ships are owned by the same parent company, or parent company by amalgamation?

LORD BOWLES

My Lords, we are well aware of the fact that the Cunard Company is represented twice. But the "Mauretania" was one of the most famous ships at the beginning of this century, holding the Atlantic Blue Riband for 22 years, and we felt, in spite of the fact that she was succeeded by "Queen Elizabeth 2", that both should be included in this series of stamps.