HC Deb 15 December 1922 vol 159 cc3358-94
Mr. SPEAKER

I have further 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 followeth:

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

The discussion of problems affecting the peace of the Near East is proceeding at Lausanne, and I earnestly trust that a satisfactory solution will shortly be reached.

The execution of the Treaty of Peace with Germany has again been the subject of conversations between My Ministers and the Ministers of the Allied Powers. These conversations will be resumed in Paris at an early date.

The task of restoring conditions favourable to economic stability in Europe continues to give Me deep concern. The difficulties are great and complex, and can only be overcame by patient and sincere co-operation between the nations primarily affected.

Members of the House of Commons,

I thank you for the provision you have made for the public service.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons,

I have given My Absent to Measures for the final enactment of the Constitution of the Irish Free State and for the consequent necessary provisions. It is My earnest prayer that the passing of these Measures may mark the inauguration of a period of prosperity and concord both for Ireland and for Great Britain.

An Act has been passed to continue and extend the measures already taken for improving trade, and. My Ministers will continue to examine with great care all possible measures for dealing with Unemployment.

The condition of the agricultural industry, which is unfortunately passing through a period of serious depression, is receiving the careful consideration of My Ministers in the hope that means may be found to alleviate some of the difficulties confronting both farmers and labourers.

I have assented to a Bill to give effect to the Agreement entered into by My late Government with the representatives of the Government of My Dominion of Canada, for the amend ment of the law with respect to the landing of imported animals in Great Britain.

It is My earnest prayer that the blessing of the Almighty may rest upon all your labours.

End of the First Session (opened 20th November, 1922) of the Thirty-second Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in the thirteenth year of the Reign of His Majesty King George the Fifth.