TNAG-2711-FCO40-3917-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-and-Par-1993 — Page 155

In Northern Ireland My Government have maintained their efforts

to combat terrorism and to address social and economic issues.

They have worked constructively with the government of the

Republic of Ireland under the Anglo-Irish Agreement. They have

also continued to encourage political progress and to promote

talks involving the two Governments and the main Northern Ireland

parties.

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

I thank you for the provision you have made for the honour

and dignity of the Crown and for the public service.

MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

My Government have pursued firm financial policies which have successfully reduced inflation and paved the way for a resumption of economic growth, despite difficult trading conditions elsewhere in Europe.

Legislation has been enacted to reduce the budget deficit and help ensure that the recovery is sustained. My Government

have also implemented various measures to benefit business,

tackle unemployment and foster the recovery. A new control

system has been put in place to ensure that the share of national

income taken by public sector spending is reduced over the medium

term.

An Act has been passed to establish a National Lottery which will generate additional funding in the areas of the arts, sport,

the heritage and charities.

Legislation has been passed which will enable the criminal law to deal more effectively with financial crime, strengthen the powers of the courts to confiscate the proceeds of crime and provide more discretion for the courts in determining appropriate sentence in particular cases.

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