Equality Bill

Oral Answers to Questions — Leader of the House – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 15 October 2009.

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Photo of Evan Harris Evan Harris Shadow Science Minister 10:30, 15 October 2009

What representations she has received on further parliamentary scrutiny of the Equality Bill; and if she will make a statement.

Photo of Barbara Keeley Barbara Keeley The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons

My right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the House and I have received representations on the Equality Bill, including those from the hon. Gentleman.

Photo of Evan Harris Evan Harris Shadow Science Minister

The Leader of the House has given assurances, which we accept at face value, from the Dispatch Box in business questions that there will be negotiation about how a considerable number of issues that have been tabled for debate on Report can be fitted in. The Deputy Leader of the House believes that programming is agreed across the parties. At what point does she think that the discussions will begin? Will she urge her colleagues to begin them as soon as possible?

Photo of Barbara Keeley Barbara Keeley The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons

I have spoken to the Bill Minister, my hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General, who is still giving close consideration to the many matters that were debated in the Committee that considered the Equality Bill. We do not yet have a definite date in mind for the later stages, but I will bring the matter to the attention of my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the House.