A FURIOUS MP last night demanded the Royal Mail be stripped of its power to issue stamps if it continues to snub Wales. Plaid Cymru's Adam Price launched a campaign to force the Royal Mail to do more to recognise Welsh culture and history. He is enraged at the organisation's failure to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the composition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the National Anthem of Wales. He said postal bosses rushed out a set of stamps celebrating the England cricket team's Ashes victory. But it was not prepared to mark the rousing anthem composed by Pontypridd father and son Evan and James James. Now Plaid economics spokesman Mr Price has tabled a parliamentary petition calling for action. He wants the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to devolve responsibility for issuing stamps to the Welsh Assembly if the Royal Mail "continues to fail to reflect Wales historical and cultural differences". The Carmarthen East & Dinefwr MP last night added: "The anthem was tremendously important in the crystallisation of a national identity in Wales. "We do not make enough of these iconic figures who helped transform the identity of Wales. "If the Royal Mail is intransigent we should look to go down the route of Jersey or Guernsey who issue their own stamps." Mr Price said he would also like to see stamps commemorating the establishment of the National Eisteddfod, the University of Wales, the National Library and the National Museum. A Royal Mail spokeswoman last night said the organisation received several letters supporting stamps to mark the anthem. She said the suggestions would be considered alongside the 2,000 other requests received each year. She added: "Royal Mail does not accept that it fails to reflect Wales' historical and cultural differences. "We have produced numerous stamps over the years celebrating distinctive Welsh landscapes and landmarks, as well as a recent set of Welsh definitive stamps which we are reissuing to mark the opening of the National Assembly's new Senedd building next year." A DTI spokesman said: "Royal Mail selection process allows for ideas proposed by members of the public and organisations. "All ideas proposed will be subject to a rigorous selection process and quality criteria." Last year, Plaid members picketed a London launch of Beauty of Wales stamps. Protesters claimed Royal Mail should launch the stamps in Wales. They also complained the stamps did not properly commemorate the 600th anniversary of Owain Glyndær's Parliament. _______________________ m.hookham@central-press.co.uk | 
