Clause 7 - Scotland: human rights
Equality Bill [Lords]
4:11 pm
Eleanor Laing (Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Scotland; Epping Forest, Conservative)
I echo the Minister’s words in welcoming you to the chair, Mrs. Anderson. I am sure that the entire Committee will enjoy working under your chairmanship.
We discussed the effect of devolution this morning. I see why the amendment is necessary. Not as shadow Minister for Women and Equality but in my other capacity as shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, I frequently deal with regulations in Committee that, as a result of consideration of Acts of the Scottish Parliament, amend primary legislation. Once again, it is good to see that the Government are up to speed with what the Scottish Parliament has done, and the amendments should be made before the Bill becomes law. That makes for much better and neater legislation. I would much rather deal with the amendment now than under a separate statutory instrument in Committee. I support the Government’s amendment.