Clause 2 - Certification commissioner
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
2:15 pm
David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)
No, it has not changed. Having investigated this matter—[Interruption.] No. There are occasions when we have discussions on which the Government are trying to be helpful. I answered the point in a private discussion, with officials present, as part of the briefing on the Bill that we gave to all political parties. Since then, officials have examined the situation that the hon. Gentleman raised and discovered that the equality assessment was undertaken. I am trying to correct the impression that was given. That is an attempt to be helpful, not disingenuous.
I will reflect on this issue, if I may, because I am not sure of the precedent on making equality exercises public. If it is possible, I will do what the hon. Gentleman asks.