asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department will accept other evidence as proof of payment of employment contributions where stamped cards have been lost or accidentally destroyed; and, if so, the nature of such evidence.

If it is shown to the satisfaction of the Minister that stamps have been affixed to, or impressed on insurance cards which have been lost or accidentally destroyed, he may, in accordance with Regulations, at his discretion allow credit for any stamps on such cards, provided that the loss or destruction of the cards was not caused by the failure of the employer to take reasonable care to prevent it. The evidence on which credit would be allowed depends on the circumstances of each individual case, and would include facts brought to light by the inspection of records, and by inquiries from all persons concerned in the stamping and custody of the cards.