THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (EARL JELLICOE)My Lords, I have it in command from Her Majesty The Queen to deliver to your Lordships a Message, signed with her own hand, respecting the Declaration of a State of Emergency. The 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 part of the community of the essentials of life, Her Majesty may by Proclamation declare that a State of Emergency exists.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.My Lords, that concludes the gracious Message. Although perhaps this is not the usual moment, I should like to inform your Lordships that my noble friend Lord Drumalbyn will be making a Statement on the electricity industry supply dispute at a convenient time after 3.30 p.m.