§ His Majesty's most gracious Speech was delivered to both Houses of Parliament by the Lord Chancellor (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 he 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 day.
§ "The task of restoring conditions favourable to economic stability in Europe continues to give Me deep concern. Tile difficulties are great and complex, and can only be overcome by patient and sincere co-operation between the nations primarily effected.
§ "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 assent 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.
471§ "The condition of the agricultural industry, which is unfortunately passing through a period of serious depression, is receiving the careful consideration of My Ministers m 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 amendment 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."
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
472§ After which the LORD CHANCELLOR said:
§ MY LORDS, AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE of COMMONS,—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 Tuesday, the thirteenth day of February, One thousand nine hundred and twenty-three, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday, the thirteenth clay of February, One thousand nine hundred and twenty-three.
§ End of the First Session 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 V.