§ Mr. Alexander F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will explain the reasons for exceptions (e) in paragraph 43 of the White Paper, "Equality for Women".
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
Paragraph 76 of the White Paper "Equality for Women" explained that, 61W except in the case of educational institutions, the Sex Discrimination Bill will not affect the objects of any charitable instrument or anything done in compliance with such objects. Exception (e) in paragraph 43 of the White Paper related that intention to the employment and training provisions of the Bill. The proposals relating to charities generally follow the position under the Race Relations Act 1968.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his definition of small ships in paragraph (d) of Section 47 of the White Paper, "Equality for Women."
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
Paragraph 47 of the White Paper suggested criteria for inclusion in the proposed sex discrimination legislation by which industrial tribunals should decide in particular cases whether sex was a genuine occupational qualification. Small ships were mentioned only as one of the examples of the situations in which one of those criteria might apply.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why employers of less than 10 people are to be excluded, in accordance with Section 49 of the White Paper, "Equality for Women"; and what timetable he envisages for bringing employers of less than 10 people within the provision of the Act.
§ Mr. John FraserI have been asked to reply.
The main arguments for the proposed initial exclusion of employers of fewer than 10 persons are to reduce pressure of work on industrial tribunals and to enable precedents to be established in relation to the more typical employment situations. Moreover, employment in very small concerns can be said to involve close personal relationships which should not, at least initially, be regulated by antidiscrimination legislation. The Government have received a number of representations on this subject, which are being considered. As regards the second part of the Question, I would ask my hon. Friend to await publication of the Sex Discrimination Bill.