XN000022-1997-04-09 — Page 37

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Methods to improve stamp sales

Following is a question by the Hon Li Ka-cheung and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Recently, speculation in the local philatelic market has reached fever pitch and many people queue up to purchase new stamps. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council whether:

there are any plans to increase the quantity and frequency of stamp issues;

(a)

(b)

the service hours of post offices will be extended to facilitate people to purchase new stamps;

(c)

the Government will consider adopting a more appropriate sales method or identifying more suitable sales outlets in selling new stamps, as well as improving the safety measures in this regard; and

(d)

Reply:

Mr President,

there were cases in the past two years involving Post Office staff abusing their authority so as to reap profits from stamp sales; if so, of the number of such cases and the measures in place to prevent their occurrence?

The Post Office has increased the printing quantities of special stamps since late 1996 to cater for the increased demand. It will continue to increase printing quantities to meet known and foreseeable demand from the general public and stamp collectors. The Post Office intends to maintain the present practice of issuing every year five to six special or commemorative sets of stamps and two to three definitive stamp sheetlets to commemorate special events. Although a number of additional sheetlets has been issued in 1996-97, these were in connection with the Hong Kong '97 Stamp Exhibition. There are no plans to increase the frequency of issue in future.

At present, 20 district post offices open early for business at 8 a.m. on the first day of issue of special stamps. For the next issue on Sunday 27 April 1997, the Post Office will open all post offices at 8 a.m. The Post Office is committed to serving all customers who reach post offices before their closing time.