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My Government have pursued firm financial policies which have successfully reduced inflation and brought about a resumption of economic growth, despite difficult trading conditions elsewhere in Europe.
Legislation has been enacted to reduce the budget deficit and help ensure that the recovery is sustained. My Government have also implemented various measures to benefit business, tackle unemployment and foster the recovery. These have included substantial improvements in the provision of export credit and other positive steps to help exporters. A new control system has been put in place to ensure that the share of national income taken by public sector spending is reduced over the medium term.
An Act has been passed to establish a National Lottery which will generate additional funding for the arts, sport, the heritage and charities.
Legislation has been passed which will enable the criminal law to deal more effectively with financial crime, strengthen the powers of the courts to confiscate the proceeds of crime and provide more discretion for the courts in determining the appropriate sentence in particular cases.
An Act has been passed which puts into place the legislative framework for My Government's policies of choice and diversity in education.
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Legislation has been passed to enable the private sector operate railway services as part of My Government's commitment to increasing the role of the railways in meeting the country's transport needs.
Legislation has been passed to enable British Coal to play its full role in preparation for privatisation.
An Act has been passed to ensure the continued availability of terrorism insurance.
Legislation has been enacted to maintain an additional rebate for holders of personal pensions aged 30 and over to ensure that wide choice and flexibility continue.
An Act has been passed to fulfil a commitment to disabled people by setting up and funding two replacement Trusts for the Independent Living Fund, and by ensuring continued funding for the Motability scheme.
Legislation has been passed to enable applications for asylum in the United Kingdom to be determined quickly and effectively and to amend the law relating to immigration appeals.
An Act has been passed to facilitate the work of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission.
Legislation has been enacted to increase United Kingdom representation in the European Parliament.
Legislation has been enacted to extend the main elements of the Single European Market to most Member States of the European Free Trade Association.
Legislation has been passed to promote improvements in agricultural marketing.
An Act has been passed to give new rights to leaseholders and to public sector tenants, and to establish an Urban Regeneration Agency.
An Act has been passed to give new employment rights to individuals and to reform the law on trade unions.
For Scotland measures have been enacted to amend the laws relating to bankruptcy and early release of prisoners.
An Act has been passed for the establishment of a statutory Welsh Language Board and the introduction of Welsh Language policies by public bodies serving Wales. Legislation has been enacted to authorise the construction of the Cardiff Bay Barrage.
An Act has been passed to introduce a new pension scheme for the judiciary and to reduce the judicial retirement age to 70.
Other important measures have been enacted.