HC Deb 03 December 1909 vol 13 cc597-600
Mr. SPEAKER

I have also to acquaint the House that the Lord High Chancellor, being one of the High Commissioners, delivered His Majesty's most gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, in pursuance of His Majesty's command, as follows:—

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

The official visit which His Majesty the King of Portugal has paid to Me, on the occasion of his accession, has afforded to the Queen and Myself great pleasure, and has consolidated and strengthened the bonds of friendship which hare so long and happily united the two allied nations.

My relations with foreign Powers continue to he friendly.

The difficulties which, unfortunately arose in South-Eastern Europe in the autumn of last year have happily resulted in a practical solution and in the maintenance of peace while the constitutional régime in the Turkish Empire, continues to make satisfactory progress.

Subject to certain reservations made by My Plenipotentiaries at the time of signature, I have ratified such of the Conventions which resulted from the Peace Conference held at The Hague in 1907 as do not require, municipal legislation in this country to give effect to their provisions.

Arbitration Conventions and Agreements with Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, and Portugal have been renewed for a farther term of fire years. Others, which are about to expire, are in process of renewal.

A measure, for improving Indian administration by enlarging the numbers and extending the functions of the various Legislative Councils has become law, duly supplemented by the necessary Regulations.

Early in the coming year the Councils will hare been constituted, and will undertake the burden of their new responsibilities.

I look with confidence for their loyal co-operation with My appointed officers in the tasks of Government, thus furthering the moral and material progress of My Indian subjects, and strengthening the foundations of My Empire.

I have, with the greatest satisfaction, assented, to the Act establishing the, Union of South Africa, which embodies the united whiles of the Parliaments of the four constituent Colonies.

This fruit of the, success which has attended the grant of free institutions to My new Colonies is, I aw, assured, a matter of cordial congratulation throughout My Dominions.

I cannot doubt that union will add to the strength, of South Africa, and I pray that its people may he blessed in the years to come with growing prosperity and lasting concord.

The important Conference which met in July last for the exchange of views between My Government and the Governments of My self-governing Dominions beyond the seas upon the subject of naval and military defence has been of great mutual advantage, and as the outcome of its deliberations it may confidently he expected that the stability of My Dominions will be preserved and, their unity promoted.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

I thank you for the liberality and care with which you provided for the heavy additions to the national expenditure due to the requirements of Imperial defence and social reform.

I regret that that provision has proved unavailing.

My Lords, and Gentlemen,

An Irish Land Act has been passed which, by relieving local funds from liabilities arising under previous Purchase Acts and by increasing the administrative area and the resources of the Congested Districts Board, will, I sincerely hope, conduce both to the general welfare of the country and to a permanent improvement in the condition of the occupiers of small holdings in the West of Ireland.

I have watched with interest the progress of u measure, which has now been placed upon the Statute Book, for facilitating the Housing of the Working Classes and for strengthening the law dealing with, the sanitary conditions under which they live.

This measure also contains long-needed provisions for controlling the development of towns with a view to securing not only improved sanitary conditions, but also amenity and convenience.

I hare given My assent to a Bill for the establishment of Labour Exchanges, which will, I trust, be am, important step towards the better regulation of the Labour Market and a foundation for further measures for dealing effectively with some of the evils of unemployment.

The measure, which has been passed for the constitution of Trade Boards in certain industries will, I hope, with judicious administration, prove, a valuable boon to a specially helpless class of workers.

I anticipate beneficial results to agriculture and to the rural industries of the country from, the measure for the economic development of the United Kingdom and for the improvement of roads.

I have had pleasure in assenting to a Bill to give effect to a Treaty which, secures the full benefits of the French law of Workmen's compensation to British workmen injured in the course of their employment in France.

Important Bills have also been passed dealing with Trawling in prohibited areas, the consolidation and amendment of the law relating to Assurance Companies, the suppression of gambling on loss by maritime perils, and the amendment of the Electric Lighting Acts.

I thank you for the seal with which you have, discharged your arduous and protracted labours, and I pray that they may be rewarded by the blessing of Almighty God.

Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.

After which the LORD CHANCELLER said:

My Lords and Gentlemen,—By virtue of His Majesty's Commission, under the Great Seal, to us and other Lords directed, and now read, we do, in His Majesty's Name, and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Saturday the Fifteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ten, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Saturday, the Fifteenth day of January, one thousand nine hundred and ten.

End of the Fourth Session of the Twenty-eighth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in the Ninth Year of the Reign of His Majesty King Edward VII.