Tag: Speeches

Below is the text of the speech made by Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 15 May 1979.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I look forward with great pleasure to receiving the President of Kenya on a State Visit in June and to paying State Visits to Denmark this month and to Tanzania, Malawi, Botswana and Zambia in July. I also look forward to being present on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Lusaka at the beginning of August.

My Government will take steps to improve the security of the nation and to strengthen our contribution to the North Atlantic Alliance on which our defences are based. They will immediately restore and thereafter maintain the pay of Servicemen at the levels of their civilian counterparts. They will maintain the effectiveness of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. At the same time they will work for greater stability in East/West relations.

They welcome the fact that progress is being made towards real measures of arms control and intend to play their part in this work.

My Government affirm their strong commitment to the European Community. They intend to play a full and constructive part in its further development and enlargement, and in the co-ordination of the foreign policies of member States. They will seek to make significant improvements in the operation of the Common Agricultural Policy in the interests both of the United Kingdom and of the Community as a whole, and they will work for an agreement on a Common Fisheries Policy which takes account of the need to conserve stocks and the interests of our fishermen. They will press for a fairer pattern of budgetary and resource transfers in the European Economic Community. They welcome the development of the European Monetary System and will consider afresh the question of the participation of the United Kingdom in its various aspects.

My Government confirm their commitment to the Commonwealth and the United Nations. They will play an active part in the peaceful and just settlements of disputes between nations. My Ministers will have regard to the need for trade with, and aid to, the developing countries.

Every effort will be made to end the conflict in Rhodesia and to bring about a lasting settlement based on the democratic wishes of the people of that country.

My Government will fully cooperate in endeavours to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East and to bring peace to all the peoples of the region.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Government will give priority in economic policy to controlling inflation through the pursuit of firm monetary and fiscal policies. By reducing the burden of direct taxation and restricting the claims of the public sector on the nation’s resources they will start to restore incentives, encourage efficiency and create a climate in which commerce and industry can flourish. In this way they will lay a secure basis for investment, productivity and increased employment in all parts of the United Kingdom.

My Government intend to achieve a fair balance between the rights and duties of the trade union movement. They will encourage responsible pay bargaining and the wider participation of the great majority of members in the affairs of their unions. Legislation will be brought before you to amend the law on picketing and the closed shop, and to provide for financial aid for postal ballots.

My Government will publish proposals for more effective competition and fair pricing policies.

Proposals will be brought forward to amend the Industry Act 1975 and to restrict the activities of the National Enterprise Board. Other proposals will reduce the extent of nationalised and State ownership and increase competition by providing offers of sale, including opportunities for employees to participate where appropriate.

My Government will stimulate the development of small businesses on which the creation of new jobs so heavily depends. Means will be sought to reduce the administrative burdens which are placed upon them, and they will also benefit from My Government’s general policies on taxation, industrial relations and related employment legislation.

Legislation will be introduced to amend company law.

My Ministers will seek to secure that United Kingdom agriculture and the food-processing and distributive industries have an opportunity to compete on fair terms and to make their full contribution to the economy.

In Northern Ireland, My Government will strive to restore peace and security and to promote the social and economic welfare of the Province. They will seek an acceptable way of restoring to the people of Northern Ireland more control over their own affairs.

My Ministers will propose the repeal of the Scotland Act 1978, and all-Party discussions will be held about the devolution of power from Westminster. Measures will be introduced to make reforms to criminal procedure and criminal justice in Scotland.

My Ministers will propose the repeal of the Wales Act 1978. They will give active support to the maintenance of the Welsh language and will seek an early start with Welsh broadcasting on the fourth television channel in Wales.

My Government are committed to reinforcing respect for the law in all parts of the United Kingdom. They will give full support to the Police Service and will take steps to ensure that the law is enforced more effectively. They will support and improve the prison system and look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the Prison Services in the United Kingdom. Legislative proposals will be brought forward to strengthen the powers of the courts in England and Wales in relation to young offenders and juveniles.

Members of the House of Commons will be given an opportunity to discuss and amend their procedures, particularly as they relate to their scrutiny of the work of Government.

My Government will introduce measures on housing which will include provisions for local authority and new town tenants to have the right to buy their homes, a Tenants’ Charter for those who are local authority, new town and housing association tenants, and provisions to encourage short-term private lettings.

Legislation will be introduced to promote greater efficiency in local government, including regulation of the activities of local authority direct labour organisations.

The quality of education will be maintained and improved. Legislation will be introduced to remove the compulsion on local authorities in England and Wales to reorganise their schools on comprehensive lines; and their freedom to take up places at independent schools will be restored. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that parents’ wishes are taken into account in the choice of schools for their children and that there is a local appeals system; it will also make provision for assistance to less well-off parents whose children would benefit from attendance at certain non-maintained schools.

My Government will continue to support the arts and will bring forward proposals to safeguard our national heritage of historic buildings and artistic treasures.

Pensions, war pensions and other social security benefits will be increased in November, and legislation will be introduced to provide for the payment of a Christmas bonus to pensioners. Ways will be sought to simplify the operations of the social security system.

My Ministers will work to improve the use of resources in the National Health Service and to simplify its administration. A Bill will be introduced to facilitate the wider use of private medical care.

Measures will be introduced to amend the law on nationality and to make changes in the control of immigration.

Proposals will be brought before you for the future of broadcasting. A Bill will be introduced to extend the life of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, which will be given responsibility (subject to strict safeguards) for the fourth television channel.

A measure will be introduced to replace the provisions of Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 with provisions appropriate to the present time.

A Bill will be brought forward to amend the law of contempt of court.

My Ministers will take steps to improve the quality of the administration of justice and to promote reform of the general law.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 1 November 1978.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I look forward with great pleasure to receiving the President of Portugal and Senhora Ramalho Eanes on a State Visit in November, to visiting the countries of Eastern Arabia and Iran during February and March 1979, and to paying a State Visit to Denmark in May. I hope to be present in Lusaka on the occasion of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

My Government will continue to safeguard the nation’s security and make a full contribution to the North Atlantic Alliance and the improvement of the Alliance’s defence; they will continue to search for ways of developing constructive relations with the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe; and they will seek the fulfilment of all the provisions of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe by all the signatory States.

Negotiations with the United States and the Soviet Union on a comprehensive nuclear test ban will be continued and My Government will work for more substantial progress on mutual and balanced force reductions in Central Europe.

My Government will continue to play a full and constructive part in the development and enlargement of the European Economic Community.

My Government reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations and their support for its peace-keeping role. They will work for a fair settlement in Cyprus and will support all endeavours to ensure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

My Government will make every effort with the United Nations to achieve peace and justice in Southern Africa. In Rhodesia, they will continue to strive, with the United States, to achieve a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement, involving all the parties, which will be acceptable to the people of Rhodesia as a whole. In Namibia, they will maintain their effort to secure free and fair elections and independence in 1979, under United Nations auspices.

My Government will continue to play an active part in the development and strengthening of the Commonwealth. They will make every effort to promote successful co-operation between industrialised and developing countries for the benefit of both. They will maintain an effective and increasing programme of assistance to developing countries, and in particular will direct help towards the needs of the poorest peoples of the world.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Government’s economic policies will continue to be directed to overcoming the evils of inflation and unemployment, the two most serious social problems facing the nation today, and to sustaining the growth of output which is now under way. They will pursue every available means of moving to full employment. They will continue to play a leading part, with our international partners, in seeking an end to the worldwide recession. Building on the stronger domestic economy now established and using the benefits of North Sea oil further to improve long-term recovery, they will vigorously pursue their policies designed to promote the success of industry and to increase productivity. In all these matters My Ministers will co-operate closely with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry.

New ways will be sought to help small businesses. Special encouragement will be given to the education and training of young people and others to safeguard and increase the supply of skilled manpower. Legislation will be introduced to provide additional finance for the National Enterprise Board and for the Scottish and Welsh Development Agencies. Following continued consultations with industry, legislation will be introduced to improve arrangements for compensation of workers on short-time, and to reduce redundancies at times of high unemployment by encouraging the alternative of short-time working.

Social justice and racial tolerance will be promoted through My Government’s social policies. The partnership between the Government and the local authorities in Inner City areas will be pressed forward. A Bill will be introduced to improve the funding of schemes designed to help ethnic minority groups.

My Government will seek to ensure that respect for the law is maintained, and will give full support to strengthening the Police Service. Every effort will be made to recruit the aid of the whole community to defeat crime and vandalism.

In Northern Ireland, My Government will maintain their efforts to establish a form of devolved government acceptable to all sections of the community and to ensure that those responsible for violence are brought to account before the courts. My Ministers will work energetically to improve living standards and increase opportunities for employment. A Bill will be introduced to increase the representation of Northern Ireland in the House of Commons, in accordance with the recommendations of the Speaker’s Conference.

My Government are resolved to strengthen our democracy by providing new opportunities for citizens to take part in the decisions that affect their lives. A number of the following measures include provisions for that purpose.

Draft Orders will be laid early in the Session to provide for the referenda on devolution to Scottish and Welsh Assemblies, to be held when the new electoral registers are available.

Following further consultation on the proposals in the White Paper on industrial democracy, legislation will be introduced to ensure that employees and unions are able to participate in discussions of corporate strategy and to provide in due course for employee representation on company boards.

The proposals set out in the White Paper on Broadcasting will be pursued, with a view to legislation on changes in the constitution, structure and organisation of broadcasting, including improved arrangements for the views of listeners and viewers to be heard and taken into account.

Further proposals will be brought forward to achieve more open government. It remains My Government’s intention to replace Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 with a measure better suited to present day conditions. My Government will continue to make information on public policy more readily available.

My Government will bring forward proposals to amend the Local Government Act 1972 in order to secure the better functioning of local democracy in a number of the large towns and cities in England. A Bill will be introduced to strengthen the consumer voice in relation to nationalised industries.

Legislation will be introduced to improve the law on education in England and Wales and to enable grants to be made in Wales towards the cost of bilingual education. A Bill on housing will include provisions for a new charter of rights for public sector tenants, a new scheme for subsidies in the public sector, more flexible arrangements for the charging of interest on local authority mortgages, and further assistance towards the improvement and repair of existing homes.

Bills will be introduced to improve safety and discipline at sea, to help to control marine pollution, and to amend other aspects of Merchant Shipping legislation, and also to strengthen the enforcement powers necessary for the safety of offshore oil and gas installations.

My Government remain committed to the establishment of a Public Lending Right for authors, and will introduce a Bill for this purpose as soon as possible.

My Government will continue to press for improvements in the Common Agricultural Policy and to promote an expansion of food production in the United Kingdom and its efficient processing and distribution. They will also take all measures necessary to conserve fish stocks and will continue their efforts to achieve an acceptable Common Fisheries Policy within the EEC.

My Government re-affirm their commitment to the reorganisation of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales and will introduce legislation for this purpose.

Fresh support will be given to enable the National Health Service to fulfil and extend its services to the public. Bills will be introduced on the regulation and training of the nursing, midwifery and health visiting professions on the lines recommended by the Briggs Committee on Nursing; and to provide for the scheme of payments for those who have suffered severe vaccine damage. A measure will be introduced to extend benefits for the disabled and to correct and clarify the law relating to social security. My Government are examining schemes to provide compensation for those such as slate quarrymen who have suffered respiratory diseases from dust in their employment, but who are unable to obtain such compensation through the courts because their employers have gone out of business. A Bill will be introduced to improve the arrangements for legal aid.

Legislation will be introduced to extend protection for individuals who entrust their savings to others. It will include Bills relating to banks and other deposit-taking institutions, to credit unions, and to estate agents. There will be legislation to amend company law, including strengthening the provisions governing the conduct of company directors, and to establish the Crown Agents as a statutory corporation. A Bill will be introduced to improve procedures in commercial arbitration.

Scottish Bills will be introduced to improve criminal justice and criminal procedure in Scotland, to establish a system of registration of title to land, and for other purposes.

My Government will continue their programme of law reform.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 3 November 1977.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons:

My husband and I look back with delight and gratitude on the events which marked My Silver Jubilee at home and overseas, and the visits which we made to many parts of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. I look forward to paying a State Visit to the Federal Republic of Germany next May and to opening the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton in August.

In pursuit of peace and collective security, the United Kingdom remains committed to the aims of detente, disarmament and the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons. My Government reaffirm their policies in international relations and defence, and will contribute fully to the work of the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the North Atlantic Alliance.

While working for policies which fully reflect the interests of the United Kingdom, My Government will play a full and co-operative part in the activities, the development and the enlargement of the European Economic Community.

They will continue to contribute modern and effective forces to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and to play their full part in the current Alliance studies of East/West relations and of the Alliance’s defence programmes. They are participating constructively in the important meeting in Belgrade which is being held as part of the follow-up to the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe; they will abide by the provisions of the Final Act, and continue to seek fulfilment of all its provisions by other signatories. They remain committed to the pursuit of detente in their relations with the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe.

My Government will continue to take part in international efforts to combat recession and promote a more stable world economic order, and a fairer distribution, within an expanding world economy, of the world’s wealth between rich and poor nations; they will maintain their special efforts to help the poorest countries and the poorest people.

They will work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, and the further improvement of relations between the United Kingdom and all the countries in the area. They will continue to co-operate with all concerned in the search for a lasting settlement in Cyprus, where they welcome the resumption of inter-communal talks.

Efforts will be maintained to achieve a negotiated settlement in Rhodesia, on the basis of My Government’s proposals published in September this year, which are designed to provide a secure future for people of all races. My Government will be ready during the current Session to introduce legislation to enable Rhodesia to proceed to independence on this basis.

Members of the House of Commons: Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: The strengthening of the country’s financial position and balance of payments opens the prospect for a continuing improvement in the economy and the maintenance of financial stability. My Government’s main objectives are the speediest possible return to full employment and a sustained growth of output. In order to achieve these objectives they will give the highest priority to further reductions in the rate of inflation.

My Government will continue to take action to reduce high unemployment through manpower measures and to promote industrial training.

They will ensure that the benefits of North Sea oil are used to achieve a lasting improvement in our industrial performance and therefore to provide more jobs, higher real incomes and improved public services.

My Ministers will continue to work in close co-operation with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry.

Internationally My Government will continue to urge that the stronger economies should take the lead in promoting a substantial growth in the world and that adequate official finance should be made available on appropriate terms to countries with continuing deficits in the balance of payments.

My Government remain firmly committed to establishing directly elected Assemblies for Scotland and Wales. Separate Bills will be introduced for this purpose.

In Northern Ireland My Government will maintain their aims of establishing a devolved Government acceptable to both parts of the community and eradicating terrorism by the prosecution through the courts of those responsible for violence and by continuing to develop the effectiveness of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, supported by My Armed Forces. My Government attach special importance to co-operation on matters of security with the Government of the Republic of Ireland. They will continue to seek measures to strengthen the economy of Northern Ireland and improve its social environment.

Legislation providing for the election of United Kingdom Members of the European Assembly will be re-introduced.

Further consultations will be held on industrial democracy, with a view to producing proposals which should command general support, and My Ministers will continue directly to encourage the development of industrial democracy in the nationalised industries.

There will be a review of the legislation and institutions governing competition policy, to see that this makes its maximum contribution to improving industrial efficiency.

My Ministers are considering further measures to assist small firms.

They will also hold consultations about encouraging profit-sharing through the tax system.

Legislation will be brought forward to amend company law.

A Bill will be introduced to provide public funds to finance payments to redundant shipbuilding workers in the public sector.

Legislation will be introduced providing for changes in the structure of the electricity industry and other matters affecting the industry.

Continued encouragement will be given to the efficient production, processing and distribution of food with the aim of meeting a greater proportion of our national needs from United Kingdom agriculture. My Ministers will seek improvements in the operation of the common agricultural policy.

My Government will continue to seek major reform of the common fisheries policy. They will aim to secure conditions which will meet the needs of the British fishing industry, conserve fishing stocks, and ensure adequate supplies to the consumer.

A Bill will be laid before you to increase the borrowing powers of the Civil Aviation Authority and British Airways, to provide for a levy to finance aviation security and to amend the civil aviation Acts.

Legislation will be introduced for the further development of transport policy to meet economic and social needs, including those of rural areas.

Legislation will be brought before you to provide assistance for first-time home buyers.

A Bill will be introduced to renew and revive the inner urban areas.

Legislation will be introduced on the composition and certain functions of the General Medical Council.

In addition to My Government’s full programme of constitutional and other reforms for the present Session, they remain committed to bringing forward at the earliest opportunity a number of further highly desirable measures of reform. These measures include improvements in safety and discipline at sea and other aspects of merchant shipping, and the right of Post Office staff to take industrial action.

Legislative proposals will be brought forward for the reform of Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act 1911.

Following the Report of the Committee on the Future of Broadcasting, My Government will bring forward proposals on the constitution, structure and organisation of broadcasting in the United Kingdom.

An increase in the limit on public funds for the National Film Finance Corporation will be proposed before the present limit expires.

Measures will he brought before you to reform public sector housing subsidies in Scotland; to improve criminal procedure and reform the criminal justice system in Scotland ; and to extend the powers of Scottish local authorities in relation to their direct labour organisations.

Further progress will be made with My Government’s programme of law reform.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 24 November 1976.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Husband and I look forward to the events prepared to mark the 25th Anniversary of My Accession to the Throne. We welcome the opportunities which these will offer for meeting people in many parts of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during the tours which we shall undertake.

My Government will maintain their firm support for the United Nations and the principles of its Charter, and for the North Atlantic Alliance as the guarantee of the collective security of its members and of stability between East and West. They have invited the North Atlantic Council to hold its Spring Ministerial meeting in London.

My Government look forward to a renewal of fruitful exchanges on world problems at the meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in London.

My Government will continue to take part in international efforts to promote a more stable world economic order, and a fairer distribution, within an expanding world economy, of the world’s wealth between rich and poor nations. Overseas aid will continue to give increasing emphasis to the needs of the poorest developing countries.

My Government will continue to play a full part in the activities and development of the European Communities, and look forward to holding the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the first six months of 1977.

My Government will introduce legislation to provide for the election of United Kingdom members of the European Assembly.

My Government will continue to contribute modern and effective forces to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

My Ministers will continue to attach great importance to the further improvement of relations between East and West and to the full implementation of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe. They will work closely with their Allies in seeking progress in the negotiations to reduce forces in Central Europe, and towards general disarmament and the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons.

My Government will also continue to work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and for further improvement in the relations between the United Kingdom and all the countries of the region. They will maintain their efforts to secure a political settlement in Cyprus.

My Government will continue to work for a negotiated settlement in Rhodesia which will provide a secure future on the basis of majority rule for people of all races in the territory.

My Government will continue to strive for a just solution to the problems of Northern Ireland and for the improvement of economic and social conditions. They are determined to combat terrorism and to maintain the rule of law. Legislative provision will be made to introduce an independent element into consideration of complaints against the police on lines already adopted in England and Wales.

My Government attach particular importance to the further development of co-operation on security with the Government of the Republic of Ireland.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

My Government are pledged and determined to continue the attack on inflation, working to this end in close conjunction with the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry. Success in this joint effort is essential for creating more jobs and for achieving the aim, to which My Government remain firmly committed, of a lasting reduction in the present level of unemployment.

My Ministers are convinced that the key to a better economic future for the British people lies in improved levels of industrial output and productivity, a higher level of industrial investment, and being more competitive thus securing a greater share of world markets. They will pursue these objectives through continued development of the industrial strategy in co-operation with both sides of industry. This will give the highest priority to the physical and financial needs of manufacturing industry on which our standards of living depend. The National Enterprise Board, the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Development Agencies, and the Planning Agreements system, provide essential instruments for this industrial regeneration. The achievement of our national objectives will be possible only if the inter-related problems of inflation, unemployment and industrial performance are tackled successfully.

My Government will continue to co-operate with other countries in their efforts to maintain an orderly and sustained growth in world economic activity. They intend to ratify the Second Amendment to the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund and the Sixth General Review of Quotas.

My Government will re-introduce the Bill to bring into public ownership the aircraft and guided weapons, ship-building, ship-repairing and marine engine building industries.

Further opportunities for the exploration and development of the nation’s valuable petroleum resources will arise from the grant of further licences following the very satisfactory response to the recent round of offshore licensing.

Legislation will be introduced to provide for the addition to the employers’ national insurance contribution and to other measures which were announced in July.

My Government will continue to encourage the expansion of home food production in the interests of consumers, processors and producers, and will seek further improvements in the operation of the Common Agricultural Policy. Legislation will be laid before you for the purpose of enabling the United Kingdom to extend fishing limits to 200 miles at the beginning of 1977. My Government are seeking adaption of the Common Fisheries Policy to new circumstances. They will aim to secure conditions in which the British fishing industry can plan ahead and make its proper contribution to the food supplies and economy of the nation.

My Government attach great importance to strengthening the democratic processes of our society. A Bill will be introduced for the establishment of Assemblies to give the Scottish and Welsh people direct and wide-ranging responsibilities for their domestic affairs within the economic and political framework of the United Kingdom.

Legislative proposals for the extension of industrial democracy in the private and public sectors of the economy will be brought forward as soon as possible after the Committee on Industrial Democracy has reported and the necessary consultations have taken place.

Legislation will be introduced to give effect to the job release scheme, and My Government will not hesitate to add as necessary to this and other manpower measures already introduced for the reduction of unemployment. They will continue to promote the development of industrial training.

My Government will pay special attention to the maintenance and improvement of performance in education, and will seek to ensure that the resources available are deployed in the best interest both of extending educational opportunity and of satisfying the productive needs of the nation.

My Ministers will also pay special attention to housing and the needs of inner city areas. Proposals arising from My Government’s review of housing policy will be brought before you.

It will remain My Government’s aim to promote good working relationships within the National Health Service and to make the best use of the resources available to the Service for the benefit of patients and with due concern for the aspirations of those who work in it.

There will be an annual increase in pensions and other social security benefits in order to protect the living standards of the most vulnerable members of the community.

My Government will continue to attach high priority to safeguarding the interests of consumers.

A Bill will be introduced to restrict the payment of unemployment benefit for certain occupational pensioners; to determine the level of earnings at which retirement pension is affection; and to adjust the national insurance scheme in certain other respects.

My Government, following their widespread consultations on transport, will bring before you proposals for developing a transport policy best suited to economic and social needs.

Legislation will be introduced to remove unnecessary restrictions on the powers of the local authorities to undertake construction work by direct labour.

Legislation will be introduced to provide for greater equality in average charges for unmeasured water supply between different water authorities in England and Wales. Proposals will be brought before you for strengthening the national organisation of the water industry.

A Bill will be introduced to amend the criminal law, particularly in relation to conspiracy, and to improve its administration.

A Bill will be introduced to provide a comprehensive reform of patent law and enable ratification of international agreements, including the European Patent Convention.

My Government will continue their programme of law reform as opportunity permits.

Measures will be introduced relating to Scotland, including housing subsidies, reform of the law on marriage, and the introduction of an independent element in the procedure for handling complaints against the police.

In all their policies for social reform it will remain My Government’s aim to promote justice and equality for all the people of the United Kingdom.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 19 November 1975.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My husband and I look forward with great pleasure to visiting Finland; and also to our visit to the United States of America to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of American independence. I am confident that the long-standing friendship and co-operation between our peoples will continue to flourish. We shall also visit Canada where I shall open the Olympic Games.

My Government will maintain their firm support for the United Nations and the principles of its Charter, and for the Commonwealth with its tradition of concern for the equitable distribution of the world’s resources and the promotion of mutual international understanding and co-operation. They will vigorously pursue their initiative for better order in world trade in commodities which they launched at the recent meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government, and which has made an important contribution to subsequent international discussion. They recognise the special needs of the poorest developing countries, and will in particular seek to assist rural development and food production.

My Government will play their full part in the European Economic Community, devoting particular attention to the achievement of a common approach to the world’s political and economic problems.

My Government will also maintain their full support of international efforts to restore economic activity, and to reduce inflation and imbalances of payments. They intend to ratify the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Financial Support Fund Agreement.

My Government will continue to work for international agreement on general disarmament and on preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. They will sustain their support for the North Atlantic Alliance as an instrument of detente as well as defence, fostering the fullest possible co-operation amongst its members, not least in the procurement of defence equipment. They will continue to play their full part in the negotiations on force reductions in Central Europe.

My Ministers will continue also to place great value on further détente between East and West, including the strengthening of economic links, and on full implementation of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.

My Ministers will continue to support the search for a comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East, and to develop our ties with the countries of the area. They will continue to co-operate in seeking a lasting settlement in Cyprus.

My Government will maintain their efforts to bring about a just and peaceful constitutional settlement in Rhodesia.

My Government will actively protect the interests of the fishing industry, and will play their full part in international conservation measures and in the development of the Common Fisheries Policy. They are seeking renewed arrangements for British fishing with the Government of Iceland to replace those which have just expired.

My Government will continue to strive for a constitutional solution to the problems of Northern Ireland. They will maintain determined efforts to eliminate terrorism, and attach particular importance to dealing through the courts with all those responsible for violence. A Bill to promote equality of opportunity in employment between people of different religious beliefs will be reintroduced, and legislative provision will be made to assist industrial development by enlarging the role of the Northern Ireland Finance Corporation.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Government will continue to give the highest priority to the attack on inflation and unemployment. Success for the wide range of anti-inflation measures introduced in July is essential for the future health of our economy and our society. In particular, success in these measures is required for the achievement of a satisfactory level of productive investment and to assist in the reduction of the present unacceptable level of unemployment. It is also a necessary condition for the fulfilment of many of My Government’s other economic and social objectives. The present price controls will continue to be vigorously enforced, and the programme of price display and unit pricing will be accelerated. A programme of price stabilisation of more essential goods will be introduced once cost increases decline. My Ministers will continue to work closely with the Trades Union Congress, the Confederation of British Industry and with the British people as a whole on a continuing programme to control domestic inflation and to prevent its resurgence.

The National Enterprise Board and the Scottish and Welsh Development Agencies will be major instruments in My Government’s policy of industrial regeneration. My Government will also embark on a series of Planning Agreements with large companies in selected key sectors of industry, as an important step towards the identification and achievement of agreed national objectives. The Bill to bring the aircraft and shipbuilding industries into public ownership will be reintroduced early in the Session.

Following their review of civil aviation, My Government will present proposals to implement the necessary policy changes.

My Government will reintroduce legislation to remove the remaining unsatisfactory features of the Industrial Relations Act 1971.

My Ministers will continue to encourage the development of industrial democracy in both public and private sectors. Both sides of industry will have full opportunity to express their views to the inquiry, which my Government have announced their intention to establish, to consider how industrial democracy in the private sector can best be extended.

A Bill will be introduced to ensure comprehensive employment safeguards for dockworkers.

My Government will play their full part in the development and improvement of the Common Agricultural Policy and will continue to encourage the maximum economic production of food at home in the interests of producers and consumers.

Legislation will be introduced to meet the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Agreement on an International Energy Programme; to control energy supplies during any shortage; and to implement energy conservation policies.

My Government will continue to seek to secure the orderly development of the United Kingdom’s off-shore oil and gas resources in the interests of the nation. They intend to invite applications for further licences for the exploration and development of offshore oil and gas.

My Government will bring forward legislative proposals for the establishment of Scottish and Welsh Assemblies to exercise wide governmental responsibilities within the framework of the United Kingdom.

Proposals will be put forward for a major review of the practice and procedure of Parliament.

An opportunity will be provided to decide on a permanent system for the sound broadcasting of the proceedings of Parliament.

My Ministers will pursue vigorously their programmes of social reform by legislative and other means, within available resources. They will take energetic action to encourage the provision of more houses in both public and private sectors; and following from a comprehensive review they will bring forward recommendations for future housing finance policy. Legislation will be brought forward to enable housing to be transferred from New Town Development Corporations and the New Towns Commission to elected local authorities. Legislation for the abolition of the agricultural tied cottage system in England and Wales will be laid before you.

In furtherance of My Government’s comprehensive policy for development land, legislation will be introduced for a development land tax.

Legislation will be introduced in the course of the session to phase out private practice from National Health Service hospitals. Consultations will continue on My Government’s proposals to strengthen and extend existing powers to regulate nursing homes and hospitals outside the National Health Service. Pensions and other social security benefits will be increased to protect the living standards of the most vulnerable members of the community.

In education, My Government will seek to consolidate the improvements they have made to the statutory school system. Within available resources, they will give priority to children with special needs and to the vocational preparation of young people aged 16 to 19. A Bill will be introduced to require local education authorities in England and Wales who have not already done so to make plans for the abolition of selection in secondary education, and to deal with certain other matters.

Legislation will be laid before you to extend and improve Post Office banking services, and to reform the Trustee Savings Banks and enable them to offer a wider range of personal banking services, including personal loans to depositors.

A Bill will be introduced to strengthen the law on racial discrimination. Proposals will be prepared to amend the Official Secrets Acts and to liberalise the practice relating to official information.

A Bill will be introduced to provide an effective independent element in the procedure for handling complaints by members of the public against the police.

My Government will give early consideration to the report, when received, of the Law Commission on the law of conspiracy in England and Wales, with a view to preparing legislation for the comprehensive reform of this branch of the law.

Legislation will be introduced to replace the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1974.

My Government will persevere with efforts to improve the law and the administration of justice, and will pay continued attention to the need to reduce the number of persons in prison, especially those awaiting trial or sentence.

Proposals will be placed before you to provide a Public Lending Right for authors.

Measures will be introduced relating to Scotland, including reforms in the law on crofting and on liquor licensing, and proposals for improving public access to freshwater fishing. A Bill will be introduced to establish a Development Board for Rural Wales.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 29 October 1974.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Husband and I look forward with pleasure to our visits to Bermuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan; and to the meeting of Commonwealth heads of government in Jamaica.

My Government will give their full support to international efforts to solve the world-wide problem of inflation and will play a full part in international discussions to solve the problems created by higher oil prices. They will continue the policy of strengthening the United Nations, its agencies and other international institutions dedicated to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the promotion of human rights, the rule of law and the improvement of the quality of life. In the effort needed to deal with world problems, they attach high importance to the Commonwealth association.

My Government will energetically continue their renegotiation of the terms of the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Economic Community. Within twelve months the British people will be given the opportunity to decide whether, in the light of the outcome of the negotiations, this country should retain its membership.

My Government recognise the economic problems confronting developing countries, and will seek to increase the provision of aid. They will promote international efforts to establish a more liberal pattern of trade.

My Ministers will continue to support the search for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East and to work for a satisfactory solution to the problems of Cyprus.

My Government will oppose racial discrimination at home and abroad. In Rhodesia, they will agree to no settlement which is not supported by the African people of that country.

My Government will continue to give full support to the maintenance of the North Atlantic Alliance. They will regard the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as an instrument of détente as well as of defence. In consultation with their allies and in the light of a searching review of our defence commitments and forces they will ensure the maintenance of a modern and effective defence system while reducing its cost as a proportion of our national resources.

My Ministers will support the policy of détente between East and West. They will continue to play a full part in international efforts to achieve general disarmament and to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. They will participate fully in the negotiations for force reductions in Central Europe and in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe.

My Ministers will continue to work for a political solution in Northern Ireland. The proposed Constitutional Convention will provide a means by which those elected to it can consider what provision for the government of Northern Ireland is likely to command the most widespread acceptance throughout the community; any solution must, if it is to work, provide for some form of genuine power-sharing and participation by both communities in the direction of affairs in Northern Ireland. My Ministers will continue to act decisively against terrorism and lawlessness. They attach particular importance to co-operation with the Government of the Republic of Ireland in the field of security and in other matters of mutual interest.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public service will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

At home, My Government, in view of the gravity of the economic situation, will as its most urgent task seek the fulfilment of the social contract as an essential element in its strategy for curbing inflation, reducing the balance of payments deficit, encouraging industrial investment, maintaining employment, particularly in the older industrial areas, and promoting social and economic justice.

The use of subsidies to keep down prices of certain foods will be continued. Further measures for the protection of consumers will be brought forward.

My Ministers will pursue their aim of achieving a fair redistribution of income and wealth. A measure will be brought before you for the introduction of a tax on capital transfers. My Ministers will propose the establishment of a Select Committee to examine the form which a wealth tax might take.

Measures will be placed before you to amend the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act 1974; and to establish the Conciliation and Arbitration Service on a statutory basis and to protect and improve working conditions generally. Proposals will be brought forward to tackle the abuses of the lump as a step towards creating a stable workforce in the construction industry. My Ministers will publish proposals to ensure comprehensive safeguards for employment in the docks.

My Government attach major importance to a general improvement in social security benefits in the interests of social justice. Measures will be introduced to increase existing social security benefits, including family allowances; to make additional provision for the disabled; to pay a Christmas bonus; and to set up a new earnings-related pension scheme.

Within available resources, My Government will continue to maintain and improve the National Health Service and, following consultations, will introduce proposals on democracy in the Service.

My Government’s education policy will continue to give priority to areas of greatest need and to children with special difficulties. Particular attention will be given to the development of a fully comprehensive system of secondary education and to nursery education. A Bill will be introduced to provide Public Lending Rights for authors.

My Ministers will energetically pursue their policies for encouraging local authorities and housing associations to provide more homes to rent and to develop their programmes for improving existing homes, particularly in the areas of greatest stress. They will take action to secure a stable and adequate flow of mortgages. Bills will be laid before you to reform the law relating to rents and housing subsidies in England and Wales and in Scotland.

Legislation will be introduced to enable land required for development to be taken into community ownership and to tax realisations of development value.

My Ministers recognise the value to the nation of expanding domestic food production economically and efficiently, and will continue their discussions with the farming industry to this end.

My Government will continue to pursue a comprehensive energy policy which makes the fullest economic use of United Kingdom coal, oil and natural gas and experience in nuclear technology, and to encourage energy conservation. Legislation will be introduced to regulate further the development of off-shore petroleum; to establish a British National Oil Corporation with rights to participate in this development; to ensure that the community receives a fair share of the profits: and to provide for the acquisition of oil sites in Scotland.

My Ministers wish to encourage industrial investment and expansion within vigorous and profitable public and private sectors of industry. For this purpose, legislation will be introduced to provide for the establishment of planning agreements and a National Enterprise Board; and to enable the shipbuilding and aircraft industries to be taken into public ownership.

Legislation will be introduced to provide additional protection for policy-holders of insurance companies, and for people booking overseas holidays and travel who suffer loss as a result of the failure of travel organisers.

My Government will urgently prepare for the implementation of the decision to set up directly elected assemblies in Scotland and Wales.

Bills will be introduced to provide for the establishment of Development Agencies in Scotland and in Wales. Other proposals relating to Scotland will include measures on local government and summary jurisdiction.

Legislation will be brought before you with the aim of ending sex discrimination.

A Bill will be introduced to reform the law relating to the adoption, guardianship and fostering of children.

Measures will be introduced to improve the law and the administration of justice.

An early opportunity will be given for you to consider whether your proceedings should be broadcast.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 30 October 1973.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Husband and I look forward to our visits to New Zealand, Norfolk Island, the New Hebrides, the British Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Indonesia.

In co-operation with other Member States My Government will play their full part in the further development of the European Community in accordance with the programme established at the European Summit in October 1972. This programme includes progress towards economic and monetary union; measures for the establishment of a regional development fund; and co-operation in foreign policy between Member States. My Government’s objective throughout will be to promote the interests of the individual, whether as citizen or as consumer.

My Government will continue to work for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

My Government will continue their active role in Commonwealth Affairs. They will maintain their support for the North Atlantic Alliance.

My Government will continue to attach high importance to our relationship with the United States of America; will persist in the search for opportunities to develop our relationship with the Soviet Union; will work to promote the fullest co-operation with Japan; and will seek to consolidate good relations with China.

My Ministers will work for the success of the conference on security and co-operation in Europe and of the negotiations for force reductions in Central Europe.

Within the United Nations My Government will work for agreement on measures relating to arms control and disarmament; and will take an active part in the United Nations conference on the law of the sea. A measure will be introduced to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the United Nations convention on the prohibition of biological weapons.

My Ministers will continue to support the principle of peaceful change in Southern Africa; and in Rhodesia to encourage Africans and Europeans to reach agreement on a just and lasting solution to their differences.

My Government are continuing to seek an interim agreement on fisheries with the Government of Iceland.

My Ministers will continue to strive towards, the ending of violence in Northern Ireland and an equitable resolution of the political, social and economic problems there. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that in seeking and holding employment My subjects in Northern Ireland are not discriminated against because of their religious or political beliefs or affiliations.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

At home. My Government’s continuing aim will be to secure a prosperous, fair and orderly society; to maintain their policies for promoting employment and for raising standards of living; and to improve the health, welfare, educational and other social services. They will have particular regard to the requirements of the old, the sick and the needy.

As a condition of securing these objectives one of My Government’s primary concerns will be to sustain the expansion of the economy while achieving the necessary improvement in the balance of payments. They will so contain public expenditure that the rise in productive investment and in exports is not put at risk. My Government will continue their efforts to counter inflation.

My Government will continue to play an active part in the development of a reformed international monetary system.

The reform of taxation will continue. Legislation will be brought forward to enable a lax credit scheme to be implemented in due course.

My Government will again review retirement and public service pensions and related benefits.

My Ministers will continue to give high priority to housing policies and in particular to improving living conditions in the worst housing areas, and to giving additional help to the voluntary housing movement.

My Government will lay before you measures providing for greater control over environmental pollution.

In pursuance of My Government’s concern to encourage high standards throughout industry and commerce, major reforms in company law will be laid before you.

A Green Paper will be published containing proposals for promoting a greater degree of employee participation in industry.

Legislation to make better provision for the safety and health of workers and the public will be brought before you.

For the further protection of consumers a Bill will be introduced to reform and extend the law relating to credit.

Legislation will be introduced to provide for the licensing of sports grounds in the interests of the safety of spectators.

A Bill will be laid before you to help to remove unfair discrimination on grounds of sex in employment and training and to widen the range of opportunities open to women.

My Government will seek to encourage increased opportunities for voluntary service and to support activities organised by and for young people.

Legislation will be introduced to promote road safety, to improve the control of traffic and to permit greater flexibility in the provision of rural road transport. Legislation will be brought forward on the financing, construction and operation of the channel tunnel.

Measures relating to the extraction of petroleum from the United Kingdom Continental Shelf will be laid before you.

Legislation will be introduced to reform certain aspects of local government finance in England and Wales and to establish machinery for investigating complaints of maladministration in local government.

Measures will be brought before you on the reform of crofting and parts of the general law relating to land tenure in Scotland.

A Bill will be introduced to strengthen the laws against indecent public advertisement and display; and to extend the controls over cinematograph exhibitions.

My Ministers will continue to take action to ensure an efficient and soundly based agricultural industry.

Priority will continue to be given to programmes in support of law and order and law reform, to the improvement of community relations and to the problem of those suffering special disadvantages from the conditions of life in urban areas.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 31 October 1972.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Husband and I look forward to our visits to Canada and Australia.

My Government will play a full and constructive part in the enlarged European Communities. They look forward to the opportunities membership will bring, for developing the country’s full economic and industrial potential, for working out social and environmental policies on a European scale, and for increasing the influence of the enlarged Community for the benefit of the world at large.

My Ministers will seek to maintain and strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance. They will continue to sustain the Commonwealth association. My Government seek a positive improvement in East-West relations and are preparing in co-operation with their allies for a conference on security and co-operation in Europe. They will work for peace in the Middle East and in Indo-China. They seek to build upon the improved relations with China and hope for a peaceful and lasting settlement in the South Asian Sub-Continent.

My Government will work for co-operation within the United Nations; will support the United Nations law of the sea negotiations; and will continue to pursue agreed measures of arms control and disarmament. They will co-operate with other Governments in combating international terrorism. A Bill will be introduced to enable My Government to give effect to the Montreal Convention for the suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation.

My Government are determined to protect the right of British fishermen to fish on the high seas off Iceland. They remain ready to reach an amicable interim agreement with the Government of Iceland.

My Government will continue their efforts to ensure that United Kingdom passport holders evened from Uganda have the widest possible choice of countries in which to settle. Help will be given to those who settle here and to local authorities that need to make special provision for them.

My Ministers will continue to search resolutely for peaceful and just solutions to the political, social and economic problems of Northern Ireland. They are resolved that terrorism and violence shall be brought to an end. The reform of local government will be completed. Legislation will be introduced to provide for a poll on the question of the Border; and to make available additional grant and loan finance to the Northern Ireland Exchequer.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

At home, My Government’s overriding concern, as Britain enters the European Communities, will be to promote the high and sustained rate of economic growth which is essential for the achievement of their policies of providing increased employment and rising living standards, as well as for the provision of better houses, schools, and social services. To that end, they will continue their efforts to establish effective means of enabling a faster growth of national output and real incomes to be maintained consistently with a reduction in the rate of inflation.

It is My Government’s intention to resume the maintenance of agreed margins round a fixed parity for sterling as soon as circumstances permit.

My Government will continue to pursue the reform of taxation, the burden of which they have already greatly reduced.

In developing their policies for economic growth My Government will pursue their measures to create confidence and stimulate employment in the assisted areas.

Legislation will be brought before you to establish an improved organisation for the Government’s manpower services including a reform of the system of industrial training.

Special help will continue to be given to those in need through the social security system and by means of rebates and allowances; and a Bill will be introduced to extend rent allowances to tenants of furnished accommodation.

Extra help will continue to be provided for areas of special social need.

Legislation will be introduced to promote fair trading and competition; and to improve the provisions of the law regarding insurance companies. Other measures to protect the consumer will be proposed.

A measure will be introduced to facilitate the building of a Third London Airport at Maplin.

My Government will continue to encourage, within the framework of the European Economic Community, a strong agricultural industry and the efficient production and marketing of food in this country.

My Government will take further positive action on the protection and improvement of the environment. A Bill will be laid before you to reorganise the management of water resources in England and Wales.

Legislation will be introduced to provide improved compensation for persons whose land is acquired by public authorities and for the injurious effects of public works schemes.

A Bill will be introduced to reform local government in Scotland. Legislation will be laid before you to reform certain aspects of local government finance in England and Wales; and to establish machinery for investigating complaints of maladministration in local government.

A Bill will be laid before you to reorganise the administration of the National Health Service in England and Wales and to establish a health service commissioner to deal with complaints.

Legislation will be introduced to reform the finances of the national insurance scheme and to encourage the more widespread development and improvement of occupational pension schemes.

My Ministers will carry out their announced annual review of retirement and public service pensions and related benefits.

My Ministers will present to Parliament proposals to extend the education service and to set new priorities.

My Government will vigorously pursue policies for the prevention of crime and the treatment of offenders. They are especially concerned at the continued growth in manifestations of violence. They will press forward plans for strengthening the police, prison and probation and aftercare services, developing the prison building programme and implementing the Criminal Justice Act.

Measures will be introduced to make further reforms in the law and improvements in the administration of justice.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

Below is the text of the speech made by HM Queen Elizabeth II in the House of Lords on 2 November 1971.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

My Husband and I look forward to our visits to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Maldives and the Seychelles.

In their external policies My Government will protect and advance the nation’s interests. They hope, following the successful conclusion of negotiations, shortly to sign an Instrument of Accession to the European Communities after which legislation will be laid before you. It will be their purpose to maintain the North Atlantic Alliance, sustain the Commonwealth association and uphold our other friendships and alliances throughout the world, while continuing their efforts to achieve international agreement on arms control and disarmament.

My Ministers will work for good relations with the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe; for peace in the Middle East; and for improved relations with the People’s Republic of China. They will co-operate in the new arrangements concerning the defence of Malaysia and Singapore and will seek to promote stability in the Gulf. They will continue to work towards a solution of the problems of East Pakistan and the refugees; an end to the conflict in Indo-China; and a settlement of the Rhodesian problem in accordance with the Five Principles.

My Government intend to increase aid to the developing countries. They will continue to promote the development of the dependent territories and the well-being of their peoples.

My Government will continue to co-operate with other Governments to resolve the current difficulties in international payments and bring about lasting improvements in the international monetary system in the interests of expanding world trade.

My Ministers are determined that violence in Northern Ireland shall be brought to an end. They are no less determined to continue their efforts to establish political conditions in Northern Ireland which ensure for the communities there an active, permanent and guaranteed role in the life and public affairs of the Province.

Members of the House of Commons,

Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

At home my Government’s first care will be to increase employment by strengthening the economy and promoting the sound growth of output. Their aim will be to curb inflation, encourage increased efficiency, and maintain a strong balance of payments. In developing their regional policies they will pay close attention to the economic needs of particular areas.

Legislation will be brought before you to promote active competition and fair trading and to extend customers’ protection in the sale of goods. Other measures will provide for extending the Shipbuilding Credit Scheme, for reorganising the structure of the gas industry, for assisting the exploration of our mineral resources, and for encouraging British investment over- seas through the establishment of an insurance scheme.

My Ministers will pursue their proposals for reforming the tax system and will bring forward legislation to establish a value-added tax and to reform company taxation.

My Ministers will continue to encourage the efficient expansion of agriculture and will introduce legislation to simplify administrative procedures and improve agricultural services. They will support the United Nations in preparing for a Conference on the Law of the Sea in 1973.

A Code of Industrial Relations Practice will be presented for your approval and proposals will be made for developing training facilities to meet future manpower needs.

Bills will be brought before you to reform the finance of rented housing and to provide more help for public and private tenants in need.

Powers will be sought to facilitate the reform of pensions schemes in the public services.

The substantial programme of replacement and improvement of primary school buildings will be continued. Steps will be taken to raise the school-leaving age to 16. Grants to direct grant schools will be increased. Provision for higher and further education will be improved and expanded.

Legislation will he introduced to give effect to My Government’s proposals for the reorganisation of local government in England (outside Greater London) and in Wales.

A Bill will be laid before you to reorganise the health services in Scotland.

My Government will pursue with vigour their policies for improving the environment. Legislation will be proposed to increase protection for ancient monuments and to extend the powers of local authorities to protect buildings in conservation areas.

Legislation will be introduced to provide for an alternative service of local radio broadcasting.

My Government acknowledge and share public concern at the growth of violent crime. They will lay before you provisions to strengthen the administration of criminal justice. In particular, provision will be made to enlarge the powers of the courts to award alternative penalties to custodial sentences and to require offenders to make reparation to their victims.

Further measures of law reform will be brought forward and a Bill will be introduced to improve the facilities for giving legal advice and assistance to persons of moderate means.

Other measures will be laid before you.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.