Queens Speech Outlines New Government's Policies

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30287, 13 November 1963, Page 17

Queens Speech Outlines New Government's Policies

(N .Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, November 12. The Queen said in her speech—written by the Cabinet—for today’s opening of a new session of Parliament that the British Government believed that “by patience and persistence a steady increase of confidence can be achieved between the two great groups of powers.”

The Queen is expecting a baby, so she did not attend the opening of the new session. Her speech was delivered for her by the Lord Chancellor (Lord Dilhorne), her representative in the House of Lords.

The Queen said My Government would pursue the cause of peace with “renewed confidence and vigour.” She said it had been encouraged by the signing of the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. “My Government believes that by patience and persistence a steady increase of confidence can be achieved between the two great groups of powers,” the Queen said. “They will continue to support the freedom of West Berlin and to seek solutions of the problems of European Security and Germany. “My Government will carry out loyally their obligations to various international organisations. In this spirit they will continue their efforts to reduce barriers to

trade, both within and beyond Europe. “They will work for the strength and unity of Europe through the Council of Europe and the Wesrtern European Union,” she said. The Queen said her Government would continue efforts to promote peace and stability in South and Southeast Asia. She said: “My Government attach great importance to the forthcoming tariff negotiations in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and to the United Nations conference on trade and development. Their success would make it possible to increase Commonwealth and international trade. “Illis will particularly benefit the developing countries, for which my Government will also be providing an expanding programme of financial and technical assistance.” Commonwealth’s Part The Queen said her Government believed "the Commonwealth has a significant part to play in ensuring stability and peace in the world. ‘‘ln their efforts to expand world trade, my Government

will continue to attach great importance to the maintenance and development of commerce between Commonwealth countries,” she said. The Queen said her Government would “continue their support for the United Nations in many spheres, both in its work for the preservation of peace and in its economic social activities. ‘‘At the same time, in accordance with the Charter, they will continue to play their part in the North Atlantic Alliance and other regional arrangements for the defence of freedom.” The speech outlines the policy and plans of Sir Alec Douglas-Home's new Government for the final session of Parliament before a General Election. The speech said: “Bills will be introduced to provide for the independence of Kenya, Malta, Nyasaland, and Zanzibar, and to provide a new constitution for the Bahamas. Defence Reforms

“Legislation will be laid before you to carry out the intentions that my Government declared in Parliament last summer with regard to the reform of the central organisation of defence. “My Government is confident that this modernisation of the whole defence system is in accordance with the needs and spirit of the time. Provision will also be made to improve the organisation of my reserve forces.” On domestic policy, the Queen said her Government would ensure a proper balance between home-grown and imported food on the basis of efficient and prosperous home agriculture. The Queen also said her Government had invited Western European countries to discuss fishing problems, including access to Ashing grounds and markets (at a conference to be held in London in early December).