Crackdown urged on postage stamp profiteers (UK)
A crackdown on “profiteering” shopkeepers who sell postage stamps at over face value was urged by an MP today.
George Foulkes, Labour Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley, has taken up the matter with Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary.
He said: “This is outrageous. It is important that the Post Office ensures that all postage stamps are sold at face value. I have evidence of cases where profiteering shopkeepers are charging #2.10p for a book of six first-class stamps. This works out at 35p for a 27p stamp.
Mr Foulkes: “If the Post Office does not take action to stop this shocking state of affairs, then the Government should step in and make it illegal _ if it isn’t already.”
A spokeswoman for Consignia said: “We take a very dim view of this. It is something we deplore.
“Where we discover this happening we write them a stiff letter and warn that unless they discontinue this practice _ which is a breach of contract _ we will cease to supply them with stamps. They already get a discount from us.”
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