Prime Minister Sherif Ismail met Tuesday with chairmen of parliamentary authorities to discuss issues of public concern and government plans to address them.

Attending the meeting were the ministers of planning, supply and finance.

Ismail said his government is acting to control local wheat imports across Egypt, noting that 4.9 million tons of local wheat have been supplied this year.

New silos have been established, the premier said, adding that local wheat was sold for 420 pounds per ardeb (one ardeb is about 150 kilograms).

The meeting also tackled the Thanaweya Amma exam leaks, with Ismail assuring MPs that all legal measures will be taken against those implicated, Cabinet spokesman Hossam el Qawish said.

Ismail defended a decision to cancel and postpone some exams, insisting this is meant to protect social values, stop cheating among students and achieve equal opportunities, Qawish added.

The prime minister also touched upon a draft budget that was referred to parliament, noting that it is a transitional budget outlined during exceptional circumstances.

He also talked about a government plan to eliminate shanty towns and increase the number of social housing units.

Ismail also pointed to many development and service projects to be implemented, such as the Suez Canal Development Corridor.

The chairmen of the parliamentary authorities stressed the importance of cooperation between the House of Representatives and government. They urged the government to implement plans designed to improve health, education and housing services.

The premier and MPs agreed to periodically meet every month to probe ways to achieve aspirations of the Egyptian people.

Source: MENA