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Message from Her Majesty brought up, and read by Mr. SPEAKER, as follows:
The Emergency Powers Act, 1920. as amended by the Emergency Powers Act, 1964, having enacted that if it appears to Her Majesty that there have occurred or are about to occur events of such nature as to be calculated, by interfering with the supply and distribution of food, water, fuel or light, or with the means of locomotion, to deprive the community, or any substantial portion of the community, of the essentials of life, Her Majesty may, by Proclamation, declare that a state of emergency exists: and the present industrial dispute affecting persons employed in the electricity supply industry having, in Her Majesty's opinion, constituted a state of emergency within the meaning of the said Act of 1920 as so amended:
Her Majesty has deemed it proper, by Proclamation dated the 12th day of December, 1970, and made in pursuance of the said Act of 1920, as so amended, to declare that a state of emergency exists.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Prime Minister.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)With permission, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement about—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder, I was expecting a Motion from the Front Bench.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Mr. Whitelaw.
§ The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)I beg to move, That Her Majesty's Most Gracious Message be considered.
§ Mr. SpeakerWhat day?—[Interruption.] Order. There is no need to be foolish about this.
§ Message to be considered upon Thursday.