HC Deb 18 June 1963 vol 679 cc45-6W
Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Postmaster-General how many of the 2½d., 4d., and 1s. 6d. lifeboat stamps have been printed; how many have been sold in bulk to dealers; and why some post offices had less than one sheet at each value issued to them on the first day of issue.

Mr. Mawby

The numbers of lifeboat stamps printed are:

2½d. 85,644,000
4d. 8,424,000
1s.6d. 10,872,000

It is not possible to say exactly how many of these have been sold in bulk to dealers: we do not keep records from which the information could be obtained. As issues to postmasters are based on the estimated local demand, it would be possible for some post offices to have less

than one sheet of each value available for sale on the first day of issue. If my hon. Friend has had any difficulty in obtaining lifeboat stamps and will let me have details, I shall be glad to look into the matter.