Clause 73 - Employers' and principals' liability
Equality Bill [Lords]
7:00 pm
Paul Goggins (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Wythenshawe and Sale East, Labour)
In direct answer to the hon. Gentleman's question, no, it is not right that a person who benefits from the unlawful actions of their agent should be able to escape entirely. The intentions expressed are the same as those expressed in section 32 of the Race Relations Act 1976. However, the different wording seems to us, potentially at least, to raise questions about whether the effect is exactly the same. The hon. Gentleman has made a good point that requires further reflection. We will reflect on it further and, if clarification is required, we will bring that forward at a subsequent stage.