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My Government have continued to work for the regeneration of our cities, developing the new partnerships between local authorities, the private sector and local communities within the City Challenge framework. They have continued to promote diversity of choice in housing, and have taken steps to extend and improve the stock of social housing. Legislation has been passed to enable income support in relation to mortgage interest payments to be paid directly to lenders. An Act has been passed to increase temporarily the threshold for payment of stamp duty on house purchase.

My Government continue to take action to protect the environment, building on the policies in the White Paper "This Common Inheritance". The United Kingdom has played a leading part in international action on the environment.

A Bill has been introduced to enable applications for asylum in the United Kingdom to be dealt with quickly and effectively.

Measures have been enacted for England and Wales to create an offence of prison mutiny, to increase the maximum penalties for aiding prisoners to escape and for harbouring escaped prisoners, and to ensure that anyone guilty of taking a vehicle without consent is liable to a more severe sentence in aggravated circumstances. An Act has been passed to strengthen health and safety arrangements for offshore installations.

Legislation has been enacted to enhance competitive tendering for local authority services. Other measures to implement the Citizen's Charter White Paper have been taken including the publication of a number of charters relating to individual public services. For Scotland, an Act has been passed to reform further and higher education.

In Northern Ireland, My Government have continued to take vigorous action against terrorism. They have sought to promote political dialogue. Positive relations with the Republic of Ireland have been maintained and enhanced.

Other important matters have been enacted.

My Lords and Members of the House of Commons

I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may attend you. Thereafter, a Commission proroguing this present Parliament was read, after which the Lord Chancellor said :

"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons :

By virtue of Her Majesty's Commission which has now been read we do, in Her Majesty's name, and in obedience to Her Majesty's Commands, prorogue this Parliament to Monday the twenty-third day of this instant March, to be then here holden, and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Monday the twenty-third day of this instant March."

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