§ Mr. Speaker:I have to acquaint the House that this House has this day attended Her Majesty in the House of Peers, and Her Majesty was pleased to make a Most Gracious Speech from the Throne to both Houses of Parliament, of which I have, for greater accuracy, obtained a copy, which is as follows:
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 5 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 rÔle in the life and public affairs of the Province.
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 overseas 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 de- 6 veloping training facilities to meet future manpower needs.
Bills will he 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 be 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 he 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.