asked the Assistant Postmaster-General why, and acting on what advice from outside his Department, he decided to charge 9d. for the International Reply Coupon of the Universal Postal Union, exchangeable in any country for a postage stamp representing the amount of postage for an ordinary single-rate letter destined for a foreign country.

Ninepence is the equivalent in sterling of 32 gold centimes, the minimum charge permitted by the Universal Postal Convention.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether, in order to foster the spirit of world community desired by Her Majesty's Government, he will consider asking his representative on the Universal Postal Union to propose the issue of a world stamp for identical use in all countries of the value of an ordinary single-rate letter destined for a foreign country and exchangeable for the present International Reply Coupon.

Whilst sympathising with the motives of the hon. Member, I feel that the International Reply Coupon already fulfils all practical needs and that I should not therefore be justified in taking the initiative on the lines suggested.

In view of our affiliations with the Universal Postal Union, and the part we play in U.N.O., would it not be a good thing to support the idea of a world stamp, which might be regarded in some quarters as a desirable international step?

It was the British who many years ago were responsible for the International Reply Coupon, and we feel that it has met all the needs up to the present time.