HL Deb 09 June 1971 vol 320 cc180-1

3.0 p.m.

LORD SALTOUN

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 why, now that postage stamps of a design not unworthy of our original stamps have at last been produced, these must be spoiled by the addition of regional emblems on the background.]

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, the design of postage stamps is now primarily a matter for the Post Office.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, I accept the Answer given by the noble Lord. But may I ask him whether he does not find it regrettable that these stamps, which go all over the world, should convey an imputation of the taste of the population of the region when it is really the taste of the Post Office; and which, if I may explain it, to me resembles the taste of the urchins who deface the features of women in their school books with pencilled moustaches?

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I cannot agree with what the noble Lord has said. Before submitting the designs to my right honourable friend, the Post Office consulted a number of authorities. For instance, in Scotland—in which I am sure the noble Lord will be most interested—both the Lord Lyon and also the Scottish Royal Fine Art Commission were consulted.

LORD O'NEILL OF THE MAINE

My Lords, is the noble Lord, Lord Denham, aware that many people in the regions of the United Kingdom are delighted to have their own emblem on the stamps and do not accept the strictures of the noble Lord, Lord Saltoun, who asked the Question?

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I am most grateful to my noble friend and I quite agree with him that that is so. I am also certain, that if the Post Office came to the conclusion that regional definitive stamps were no longer wanted by the areas concerned it would take appropriate steps.

LORD SALTOUN

My Lords, in that case may I ask the noble Lord whether he and the Government will exercise their influence with the Post Office to enable people who share my opinion to buy undefaced stamps for their own use?

LORD DENHAM

My Lords, I do not think it would be appropriate for me or my right honourable friend to exercise influence in this way, but I have no doubt that the Post Office will take account of what the noble Lord has said.