HC Deb 16 June 2003 vol 407 cc49-50W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what conditions supermarkets may sell postage stamps at less than their face value. [118229]

Mr. Timms

Retailers may purchase books to stamps on a wholesale basis from the Royal Mail for resale in their outlets. I have asked the Chief Executive of Royal Mail to reply direct to the hon. Member on the conditions under which stamps may be sold at a discount.

Post Offices, including rural sub-Post Offices, receive a supply of stamps to sell on behalf of Royal Mail and cannot sell stamps at a discounted price. The issue of the competitive implications of selling at discounted prices is a matter for the regulator, Postcomm.