§ 30. Mr. Dribergasked the Postmaster-General on what date the last of the covers bearing Shakespeare quatercentenary stamps, and described as first 35W day covers, were posted; how many of the 80,000 covers ordered in response to his special offer were posted after 23rd April, though postmarked with that date; and, in connection with future commemorative issues, what steps he is taking to avoid the necessity of similar misrepresentation.
§ Mr. MawbyIn the final outcome the number of Shakespeare first-day covers ordered approached 100,000. All but 8,000 have been despatched. These should go out within a day or so. 10,000 of them were postmarked on the 23rd April. As I have said before, the demand for this service exceeded all our expectations. I do not think that with this sort of service any question of misrepresentation arises, but certainly we do not want to keep out customers waiting for as long on future issues. This was the first occasion on which we have had this special first-day covet service and the experience gained will be applied in the future.
§ Dr. Kingasked the Postmaster-General when the first-day covers of the Shakespeare stamps will be issued to subscribers.
§ Mr. MawbyOver ninety per cent. of the covers have already been despatched. The remainder should go out in the next day or so.