HC Deb 27 January 1966 vol 723 cc120-1W
108. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Postmaster-General, under which Order in Council made in pursuance of the Southern Rhodesia Act he is now surcharging letters received in this country bearing the two shillings and sixpenny stamp issued since the coming into force of the Act.

Mr. Benn

None. This stamp was issued without legal authority and so is not valid. We therefore disregard it when assessing the amount of postage paid. If in consequence there is a deficiency we surcharge in accordance with Section 17(4)(a) of the British Commonwealth and Foreign Post Regulations, 1965.

109. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in Switzerland, headquarters of the International Postal Union, letters bearing the Rhodesia two shillings and sixpenny stamp, issued since the unilateral declaration of independence, are being admitted without surcharge; and whether he will now discontinue the surcharge on letters thus stamped in the case of recipients in Great Britain.

Mr. Benn

I am aware that the Swiss Post Office is not surcharging items bearing these 2s. 6d. stamps. However, as we have informed all member countries of the Universal Postal Union through the International Bureau of the Union in Berne, these stamps are not legally valid for prepayment of postage in Rhodesia and we in this country shall continue to raise the appropriate surcharge on items on which they appear.