TNAG-0718-FCO40-916-Policy-on-issuing-postage-stamps-1978 — Page 57

IN CONFIDENCE

10.

Frequency of New Stamp Issues

It is recommend that special stamp issues should not exceed four in

any one year. However, it is not necessary to reduce the number of special issues in the year a new definitive issue is released.

11.

Subjects of Stamp Designs

It is important that the subjects of stamp designs relate to the country in question since this enhances the value of the stamps to the collector. Such subjects may be of an historical, geographical,

economic or constitutional nature. It is recognised that some admin- istrations have great difficulty in finding ideal subjects for stamp designs; in such cases it is occasionally permissible to participate in the commemoration of anniversaries of general international interest, but discretion should be exercised and this practice should not be mis- used. Such misuse could lead to a falling off in revenue as collectors become disenchanted with postal authorities continually issuing stamps which have little or nothing to do with the country concerned.

12. Withdrawal of Stamp Issues

It is recommended that 'commemorative' or

'commemorative' or 'special' stamps should normally be withdrawn from sale three months after the date of issue, or when stocks are exhausted, whichever may be the sooner. Such stamps may, however, remain available for supply on demand in the Bureau for one year after the date of withdrawal from sale over the counter.

13. Face Value of Postage Stamps

In periods of inflation the face value of stamps may need to change frequently but at the time of issue of this Memorandum it is recom-

mended that the face value of a definitive issue should not exceed

the equivalent of £5 to £5.50 and the total face value of commemorative

or special sets issued in any one year should not exceed the equivalent

of £4.

IN CONFIDENCE

/IV.