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Page 756 My Government will continue to give whole-hearted support to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
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In Germany considerable progress has been achieved by My Government in close collaboration with the Governments of the United States and France. The German Federal Government has been established after free elections and a wide measure of responsibility has now been transferred to the German authorities. I welcome particularly the Petersberg Agreement recently concluded between the Allied High Commission and the Federal Chancellor. After Berlin had been sustained for eleven months by the Allied airlift, adequate transport services were restored to the city and it has established closer relations with the Federal Republic. My Government, together with the United States and French Governments, have continued, unhappily without success so far, their efforts to reach an agreement with the Soviet Union on fundamental problems affecting Germany.
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throughout u world
My Forces continue to meet their world-wide] responsibilities In Hong Kong, Malaya and elsewhere they are discharging their duties with their accustomed skill and devotion.
in porserving
Brack
The Queen and I greatly regret that it was not possible for us to visit ni order. Australia and New Zealand this year, as we had hoped and I look forward to the time when I shall have an opportunity of meeting again My Peoples in those parts of the Commonwealth.
A special conference of the Prime Ministers and other Ministers of the self-governing members of the British Commonwealth was held in London in April and I am happy to record the historic agreement then reached whereby India, whilst assuming the status of a sovereign independent Republic, will continue in full membership of the Commonwealth, with the good will of all its members. In consequence. I have recently assented to an Act which will preserve to India and her citizens the privileges under the laws of the United Kingdom and Colonies of Commonwealth status.
On 31st March, Newfoundland became a province of Canada. My good wishes attend this union of the two countries which I pray may bring them lasting prosperity and well-being.
I have learned with pleasure of the further generous gift which My Government in the United Kingdom have received from My Government in Australia.
The steady progress of My Colonial Peoples towards self-government within the Commonwealth has recently been demonstrated by the important proposals for constitutional advance in the Gold Coast. I warmly welcomed the success of the Colonial Month and Exhibition which I inaugurated in London last June.
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS:
I thank you for the provision which you have made for the public services.
MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS :
I have given My Assent to a measure to amend the Parliament Act, 1911, which reduces the period during which the House of Lords may delay legislative proposals in cases of disagreement between the two Chambers. I regret that it was not possible to secure agreement between both Houses on the provisions of this measure.
Legislation has been enacted extending the housing functions of local authorities; providing financial assistance towards the improvement of housing accommodation by local authorities and by private persons; and providing for the control of rents of houses and flats let for the first time since the war and for the abolition of premiums.
I have given My Assent to a Bill to establish in due course an Iron and Steel Corporation to which will subsequently be transferred the securities of certain companies extensively engaged in the iron and steel industry.
There has been a further notable advance in the output of British agriculture to which all those engaged in the industry have contributed. In this and other wagedoled r7s are being made to lessen our Pendengel food
from areas to which we export less than we import.
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The general feconomic situation has required continued adherence to the policy of restraint in regard to personal incomes and limitation of dividends. The co-operation of employers and workers in giving effect to this policy deserves high praise.
I have assented to legislation for merging the British Overseas Airways Corporation and the British South American Airways Corporation.
An Act has been passed to give My Government the necessary powers to implement the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
Important changes have been made in the laws relating to patents for inventions and to registered industrial designs.
Legislation has been passed for the better protection of the coast against
erosion.
I have given My Assent to an Act enabling National Parks to be established in England and Wales and nature reserves to be provided in Great Britain for the better protection of wild life.
Preparations for the Festival of Britain, 1951, are now taking shape with the cordial support of local authorities and voluntary organisations in all parts of the United Kingdom.
I have given My Assent to legislation to improve water supplies in Scotland; to protect the tenants of shops; and to amend the criminal law in Scotland and the law relating to education in that country.
A measure has been passed to make further provision for the organisation
of civil defence.
The arrangements for dealing with Welsh affairs have been strengthened. by the establishment of the Council for Wales and Monmouthshire.
An Act has been passed to improve the administrative and financial arrangements for magistrates' courts in England and Wales and to amend the law relating to justices of the peace. Provision has also been made for the payment of jurors and for the virtual abolition of special juries.
I have assented to measures for schemes of legal aid and advice in England and Wales and in Scotland.
Steady progress is being made in the consolidation of statute law. The law relating to agricultural holdings in Scotland, agricultural wages, civil aviation, elections, marriage, patents, registered designs and taxation of vehicles has been consolidated in this Session.
I
pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend
you.