§ 3.50 p.m.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE EARL OF LONGFORD)My Lords, I have the honour to present a Message from the Queen, signed with her own hand. Her Majesty's Message is 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 a 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. The present stoppage of work among merchant seamen 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 23rd day of May, 1966, and made in pursuance of the said Act of 1184 1920 as so amended, to declare that a State of Emergency exists."