HC Deb 17 August 1911 vol 29 cc2080-1
Mr. ROBERTSON

asked whether there is in the Egyptian Administration a statistical bureau; and, if so, whether it can supply figures showing the rise in the cost of the prime necessities of life in Egypt during the past five years; and what, if any, general rise in wages has taken place in the same period?

Sir E. GREY

There is a "bureau de statistique" attached to the Ministry of Finance, but there is no general statistical bureau in the Egyptian Administration, and when statistics such as the hon. Member asks for in his question are required, they have to be compiled in the different Ministries concerned. As I have explained to the hon. Member, the compilation of such statistics involves a great expenditure of time and labour on the part of the senior officials of the Egyptian Government, in addition to their ordinary administrative work, which is very heavy. I therefore propose to refer the two last portions of the hon. Member's question to His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo, in order that he may include a reference to these inquiries in his next Annual Report, so far as material that is easily available enables him to do so.

Mr. ROBERTSON

asked whether any scheme has been entertained by the Egyptian Government for the establishment of a uniform system of weights and measures for the better prevention of frauds?

Sir E. GREY

I have no information as to any such proposal being under consideration by the Egyptian Government at the present moment.

Mr. ROBERTSON

asked whether the Egyptian Government has yet considered any scheme for the promotion of small tenant holdings of land in Egypt upon State land or for the promotion of other forms of cultivation than that of cotton, in view of the economic dangers of a single crop system; whether, in particular, any effective action has been taken to promote the cultivation of sugar; and whether the Egyptian Government is still resolved to prevent the cultivation of tobacco?

Sir E. GREY

I have no further information than some that was obtained last year, which I can give at length if desired in reply to an unstarred question.