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know that from 1891 to 1997 some 32 sheets or 103,680 stamps in all have been sold of these probably about two-thirds have been used for fiscal purposes, leaving some 60,000 stamps used postally or unused in the hands of collectors or dealers of these 60,000 we estimate that some 51,000 bear the Chinese surcharge and 9,000 only the surcharge in English.
The Crown Agents might before going to the expense of advertising make enquiries of dealers in London as to probable sale and prices, &c.,
As the stamps are of no value whatever now, being obsolete there is no reason why any arbitrary price should be laid down, therefore the Secretary of State might be asked to modify his decision if necessary as regards sale at face value or more and inform the Crown Agents accordingly.
(Sd.) A.M. Thomson,
Postmaster General.
(Sd.) Hilgrove C. Nicolle,
19.10.97.