Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. I would like to welcome all Members back to the House. There is a lot of work to be done in the next nine days, so I will keep my opening statement short.
My comments today refer to the message read by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, on March 8, which is Commonwealth Day.
"Music is the theme for Commonwealth Day this year. Of course, people of different generations tap their feet to quite different beats. But for all of us, young and old, music is an essential part of life; for parties and entertainment; for ceremonies and celebrations.
For music knows no difference of language, no national boundaries. And because it has become such as important part of our cultural lives, it is a universal means of communicating with each other. The variety of music indicates our diversity, its common tones and harmonies bring us together, just like the Commonwealth.
In 1999 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. Fifty years ago, in 1949, India became the first republic with its own head of state to be a member of the Commonwealth. That paved the way to memberships for many countries, especially from Asia and Africa, all sharing links of history, a belief in democracy, and a will to work together. Today, the Commonwealth includes over a quarter of the world's population, spanning differences in race, creed and language, but sharing the same aspirations toward a better future. This November, the leaders of the Commonwealth states will gather in South Africa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting where they will discuss the challenges of the new millennium, as well as celebrating the Commonwealth's achievements in its life so far.
Let us then, in this anniversary year, look both backwards as well as forwards as we mark Commonwealth Day. While we continue to enjoy our favourite music, either by making it or listening to it, let us also celebrate the vigour and creativity that the next generation will bring to their music making. That is just one of the bonds that all the young people of the Commonwealth will share together on this special day. This is from the message from the Queen.
Orders of the day. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Mr. Todd