Clause 5 - General functions of the Board
Employment Bill
6:00 pm
Mr Alan Johnson (Minister of State (Employment and the Regions), Department of Trade and Industry; Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, Labour)
Touche, as they say across the channel. And I thought that I was being helpful. That is the Carter review out of the way, but I should point out that we have stayed absolutely true to the Inland Revenue Regulation Act 1890—1890 was probably the last time that the Opposition reviewed their social policy—in so far as it governs the way in which the Inland Revenue does its business. The clause simply ensures that the same provisions, standards and practices that apply to the working families tax credit and other aspects of the Inland Revenue will be applied consistently to the provision of standards and practices for maternity leave, adoption leave and paternity leave. The hon. Gentleman says that it is time to look again at the matter, particularly the way in which the language is lifted. That is a different point for another time, but it would be wrong to use this Bill to start changing the process. To do so would cause great consternation among employers.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 6 ordered to stand part of the Bill.