Official Statistics : What They Contain and How to tire
Them. By Arthur L. Bewley. (H. Milford. 2s. 6d. net.)—" No one," says Professor Bewley, " should attempt to use statistics unless he is prepared to devote considerable time and thought to ascertain the exact meaning, nature and limitations of the particular reports which relate to the subject in question." He illustrates this warning by an examination of the official statistics in relation to population, industry, trade and prices, income and wages and social conditions. Again and again he has to point out that the statistics are confused, incomplete, or misleading. One report is " full of technical terms that are no doubt clear to the officials but whcse different shades of moaning elude the uninitiated." The index figure of the cost of living is sharply criticized. The figures relating to unemployment are shown to be very imperfect and obscure. Professor Bowley's little book should stimulate the movement, led by Mr. Drage, for a thorough reform of the Government's statistical methods.
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