§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to strengthen the provisions of the Race Relations Act in relation to the restaurant and hotel trade. [74016]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe restaurant and hotel trade is subject to the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976 in terms of both employment and the provision of goods and services. There are some exceptions which may apply for genuine occupational qualifications designed to protect racial authenticity—for example, in certain restaurants.
The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has reviewed the Race Relations Act 1976 and put forward 57 recommendations for change including one to replace the genuine occupation qualifications for authenticity, which relate to working where food and drink are served in a particular setting. The Department has carried out a public consultation on the proposals which concluded on 18 December 1998.
My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced when he published the report of the Inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence that the Race Relations Act 1976 will be extended to cover the public services.
The Government will bring forward proposals in due course, including a response to the CRE recommendations.