§ MR. C. E. PRICEI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to confirm the statement made in the Report of Mr. Richard Grigg, on the condition of British Trade in Canada, that the increase in the cost of food, rent, fuel, and clothing during the ten years ending 1906 has been 44 per cent.; and whether he can state what has been the increase in wages during the same period.
§ MR. LLOYD-GEORGEAs stated in Mr. Grigg's Report, the particulars referred to are based on the result of an unofficial investigation under the direction of a distinguished economist. They relate primarily to the city of Toronto. I understand from Mr. Grigg that he took steps to verify the substantial accuracy of these figures. There has apparently been a general increase in wages in Canada during the period referred to, varying for different trades. I am unable, however, to state a general average percentage of increase.