§ And afterwards 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 Session now ending, has been marked by the meeting of My Prime Ministers and other Ministers representing Commonwealth countries. I have been happy to welcome to this country those who have come from overseas to attend the meeting and I am sure that great good must come of this personal exchange of views between the Leaders of My Governments.
§ "I am also gratified that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference has brought together in the United Kingdom many other distinguished citizens from Commonwealth countries.
§ "Representatives of My peoples in Africa have conferred in London with My Ministers. Their meetings will, I am confident, promote closer understanding, co-operative endeavour and mutual benefit.
§ "My Government have continued to take an active part in the work of the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, which has recently agreed upon recommendations about 332WA the division of the first year's aid from the United States. My Government, together with the other members of the Organisation, have also signed a convention to facilitate trade and payments among the countries concerned.
§ "My Government have taken certain measures to strengthen My Armed Forces. They have also, in association with the other Governments signatory to the Treaty of Brussels, set up the nucleus of a command organisation for the defence forces of the Five Powers, and made arrangements to deal with problems of production and equipment.
§ "The two Houses have again failed to agree on the Bill to amend the Parliament Act, 1911.
§ "My Ministers have drawn counsel and support from your valuable debates on the international situation, on defence and on economic affairs.
§ "I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you."
§ Then a Commission for proroguing the Parliament was read.
§ 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, we do, in His Majesty's name and in obedience to His Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Tuesday, the 26th day of October instant, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday, the 26th day of October instant.
§ End of the Fourth Session of the Thirty-eighth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the twelfth year of the Reign of His Majesty King George VI.