THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to issue any commemorative postage stamp, or stamps, in connection with the Festival of Britain; and if so, whether an assurance can be given that there will be no repetition of the procedure regrettably adopted on the occasion of Their Majesty's Silver Wedding, when a £1 stamp was issued throughout the Empire, of no postal use, for the purpose of securing foreign currency, with the result of gravely lowering British philatelic prestige all over the world.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANWith the gracious assent of His Majesty the King, it is proposed to issue two special British postage stamps to commemorate the Festival of Britain. These stamps, 2½d. and 3d., will be placed on sale at all British post offices on the opening day of the Festival and remain on sale until stocks are exhausted. In addition, His Majesty has graciously approved a proposal to re-design the permanent 2s. 6d., 5s., 10s. and £1 British postage stamps. It is hoped to place these re-designed stamps, which will replace the present stamps of the same value, on sale on the opening day of the Festival. It is not in mind to issue any commemorative stamps in connection with the Festival of Britain other than the ones mentioned.
House adjourned at two minutes past seven o'clock.