The Government promised only to “look at how the disagreement can be resolved”.Most of the crime measures unveiled in the speech have been widely trailed. They include greater power to seize criminals’ assets and moves against corruption and sex offenders.A Police Bill will “reform and modernise the police service”, including the practice of officers retiring early on what they suspect are spurious health grounds.A draft Bill will be published to give legal force to Lord Cullen’s recommendations on rail safety, if ministers decide to press ahead after consultation.The Government plans to change the law to make all–women shortlists for political parties legal – after Labour fell foul of the practice in the run–up to the 1997 General Election.There will be further welfare reforms including creation of a new Jobcentre Plus agency and proposals to require partners of those claiming out–of–work benefits to attend work–focused interviews to discuss their options and help them return to work.An Adoption and Children Bill will ensure that the interests of the child become paramount in adoption proceedings. Mr Blair also wants to encourage more couples to adopt by giving local councils a duty to provide better support services.Among other measures are moves to equalise the age for concessionary travel fares at 60 for both men and women, a reform of the land registration system to promote electronic conveyancing, reform of the leasehold system for tenants and the extension of the Football (Disorder) Act.The Act, which would have lapsed automatically in 2002 if not renewed, gives courts the power to make banning orders against suspects with no history of violence and allow police to prevent fans travelling abroad while they sought such an order.. The Government is to forge ahead with further reform of the House of Lords after the first stage resulted in over 600 hereditary peers being axed. This left behind 92 elected hereditaries on a temporary basis, appointed life peers, Church of England bishops and law lords. The Government is to forge ahead with further reform of the House of Lords after the first stage resulted in over 600 hereditary peers being axed. This left behind 92 elected hereditaries on a temporary basis, appointed life peers, Church of England bishops and law lords.The House of Lords Bill announced today in the Queen’s Speech would create a second chamber of Parliament “better equipped” to work alongside the House of Commons.

Ministers believe it would “preserve the position of the House of Commons as the cornerstone of our democracy.”It would create a second chamber which is more representative of the people and with a distinctive membership which will look at legislation in a different way from the Commons.”It would reduce the ability of any government to pack the House with its supporters and would open the way to modernisation of the way the House works.”The Bill would be based on the recommendations of the Wakeham Commission and the Government says it is committed to implementing the proposals in the most effective way possible. It is widely expected that the Government will include a proportion of elected peers in the Lords, one of the key Wakeham recommendations.. A Safety Bill to enable recommendations from the inquiry into the Paddington rail crash to be fully carried out was announced in the Queen’s Speech today. Lord Cullen yesterday published part one of his report into the October 1999 disaster.

A Safety Bill to enable recommendations from the inquiry into the Paddington rail crash to be fully carried out was announced in the Queen’s Speech today. Lord Cullen yesterday published part one of his report into the October 1999 disaster.Part two, which looks at rail safety generally, is due out later this year and the Safety Bill will provide an opportunity to take forward his recommendations which require legislation.Transport Secretary Stephen Byers has already said that all 89 of Lord Cullen’s recommendations announced yesterday will be implemented. Mr Byers has asked the Health and Safety Commission to report back to him within six months about the implementation process.The Government also announced today that it was bringing in legislation to allow men to get concessionary travel fares, such as free or reduced fare bus passes, at the age of 60. Although women get concessions at 60, men currently have to wait until 65. The new Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill will mean around one million more men benefiting.In London, pensioners get free bus and Tube travel as long as they journey outside the morning rush­hour.