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MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

I thank you for the provision you have made for the public service.

MY LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

The condition of our basic industries and the high level of unemployment continue to cause Me anxiety. My Ministers have prepared a scheme for relieving agriculture and other productive industries from the onerous burden of rates. The relief will affect not only the direct burden of rates but also the indirect burden thrown specially upon the basic industries by the present system of rating railways, docks and canals. This policy involves as a necessary consequence the enactment of long-desired reforms in local government and in the financial relations between the State and local authorities. My Ministers are hopeful that in respect of selected industrial and agricultural traffic the relief may come into force at the end of the present year. I trust that these comprehensive proposals will not only increase employment generally, but will also bring special relief to the areas which are most in need of it.

I have given My assent to a measure assimilating the Local Government and Parliamentary Franchise of men and women. This will confer equal electoral rights on the two sexes.

A Bill has been passed, based generally on the recommendations of My Commission on National Health Insurance, whereby the existing system will be materially simplified and improved.

Steady progress has been made during the year in the provision of housing for the people, and the price of house construction has continued generally to fall.

I have given My assent to a measure for assisting the credit of persons engaged in agriculture in England and Wales, and My Government have prepared a scheme for effecting the same object in Scotland.

A Bill has been passed to provide for the grading and marking of agricultural produce.

It is a source of special satisfaction to Me that it has been found possible, subject to suitable safeguards, to secure permanently the present rates of disability pension for the Great War against any reduction owing to a fall in the cost of living. This will remove an element of uncertainty which disturbs the minds of those who are, unhappily, still suffering from the effects of their war service.

The rapid growth of road traffic has created new problems which demand investigation. I have appointed a Commission which will, I hope, result in measures for the wise development of all available means of transport.

Bills have also been passed to recrganise certain Scottish Departments, and for setting up a Commission to deal with educational endowments in Scotland.

It is My earnest prayer that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon all your past and coming labours.

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