§ Mr. HARWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by whom the two Commissions chosen to inquire into the failure of the Egyptian cotton crop were appointed; what is the difference between the functions of these two Commissions; and whether either or both will report if there has been any remissness of Government officials in carrying out the necessary regulations?
The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The two Commissions have been appointed by the Egyptian Government. The first, containing representatives of all sections of the community interested in the production of cotton, will study the special causes of the falling off of the yield in 1909. The second, composed mainly of experts in various branches of scientific research, will conduct investigations into the history of the insects which prey upon the plant, and into other scientific aspects of the matter. They will report on everything material to the cause of the failure.
§ Mr. GERALD ARBUTHNOTWhat steps are being taken this year to safeguard the present Egyptian cotton crop against the attacks of the cotton worm?