HC Deb 24 July 1968 vol 769 cc149-50W
Captain Kerby

asked the Postmaster General what is the rôle of his Philatelic Bureau in relation to the issue of British postage stamps; and if the Bureau is only allowed to deal with recognised stamp dealers in the sale of out-of-date British postage stamp issues;

(2) whether the Philatelic Bureau sell out-of-date British postage stamps to dealers at face value; and whether his Department gains revenue from the increased value of such issues after withdrawal;

(3) if he is aware that on 1st June 1968 Lancing College issued a commenmora-tive cover to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Chapel, and was informed by the Philatelic Bureau that it would have to purchase Sussex Countryside stamps from dealers at Is. 3d. each, whilst the Bureau was offering the stamps to dealers at face value; and if he will now direct the Bureau to discontinue this practice.

Mr. Stonehouse

The G.P.O. Philatelic Bureau sells current issues of British postage stamps at face value to collectors and stamp dealers all over the world. Special issue stamps, that is those other than the permanent series of definitive stamps, are withdrawn from sale one year after the date of issue and are not sold thereafter either to dealers or the general public. The only exception to this rule is the continuing sale of Post Office Tower stamps at the Post Office Tower.

The Bureau was not, therefore, able to supply Lancing College with Sussex Landscape stamps and could only suggest that they be purchased from a stamp dealer.