AS July 1997 moves closer a new problem has emerged that cannot be resolved by the Joint Liaison Group - what does Hong Kong put on its stamps when it no longer has the Queen? Opinion is divided on the subject - some favour Hong Kong's bauhinia flower, others say keep the basic design and simply remove the Queen's head.
The Postmaster-General, Michael Pagliari, said discussions were under way with the Stamp Advisory Board about the new design.
'The Queen's head will come off, and the royal cipher - these symbols of sovereignty will disappear and be replaced by something else,' he said.
'We have a few ideas - some people want the bauhinia, which I think would be twice as boring [as the Queen's head],' he said.
Mr Pagliari said other options under consideration include local landmarks, wildlife, and themes applicable to tourism.
'I want the advisers to consider all the alternatives and not rush blindly into it,' he said. 'This is our opportunity to design definitive stamps less boring than they currently are and I wouldn't like to miss this opportunity.' He said there would also be a series of stamps commemorating the handover, possibly issued in conjunction with China.
Members of the Stamp Advisory Committee contacted by the South China Morning Post had a wide variety of ideas for the new stamp.
