asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state (a) the number of social welfare stamps 31st March, 1959, (b) the total number of stamps sold in that year and (c) the in each class sold in the year ended estimated yield of (i) a ld. and (ii) a 1/- in each class in a year and the estimated total yield.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, it is proposed with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it in the Official Report.

Following is the statement:

NOTE.—Contribution rates were increased on the 3rd September, 1956, but some stamps at the old rates in respect of employment prior to that date were sold in the year ended 31st March, 1959. The numbers of old rate stamps sold are shown separately except in the cases of the 2/6 and 2/- rates. It is not possible to segregate the stamps sold at those two rates between the different kinds of employment covered by them.