HL Deb 14 July 1969 vol 304 cc4-5
Lord SORENSEN

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government in what manner they are contributing to the Gandhi Centenary Year, in view of the significance of that event for the Indian Government and peoples.]

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government I would wish to associate myself with my noble friend's reference to the significance of this event. Her Majesty's Government have contributed £5, 000 to the United Kingdom Committee for the Gandhi Centenary, under Lord Mount-batten's chairmanship. This Committee has been responsible for arranging an active and imaginative programme.

Her Majesty's Government have also contributed £4, 000 towards the cost of the statue of Gandhi in Tavistock Square which the Prime Minister unveiled last year; and, in addition, we have allocated some £10, 000 to cover the cost of a British Pavilion at the Gandhi Inter national Exhibition in Delhi. Apart from these very tangible expressions of our interest and good will, the Post Office is issuing a special commemorative stamp, and the India Office Library is mounting a special exhibition. In addition to these contributions by Her Majesty's Government, a wide variety of other exhibitions are being held through out the country.

Lord SORENSEN

My Lords, I am sure my noble friend will realise that this is very deeply appreciated by the Indian Government and people, as well as by many Members of this House, but can he say why the stamp to be issued is of a higher denomination than that normally used? Could there not be an issue of a lower denomination, so that it is seen by a far larger number of people?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, obviously in your Lordships' House a Minister replies on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, but I think that particular question should perhaps be directed to my noble friend Lord Bowles, who answers for the Post Office.