§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Lord President of the Council whether he has any plans to withdraw any or all of the franked envelope facilities available to hon. Members; and whether stocks are being run down in anticipation of such a change.
§ Mr. BiffenThere are no such plans. There is at present a shortage of 110 mm by 220 mm envelopes, but this is being rectified. Since Parliament is now the only user of official-paid mail, it is likely that the Services Committee will shortly be asked to consider the best means of replacing the existing imprint with another postage-paid impression which will be exclusive to the House. It is intended that the new system will have the same validity as the present one. The likely date of the proposed changeover is spring 1983.