HL Deb 12 July 2002 vol 637 cc111-2WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that the Commission on Disablity Rights is not merged with bodies engaged in other subjects. [HL4581]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

The Government's consultation paperTowards Equality and Diversity, published in December 2001, set out our proposals for implementing the EC Employment and Race Directives. We also stated that we saw arguments in favour of a single statutory commission in the longer term. Following this, we announced on 15 May a project to look at the feasibility of, and options for, creating a single equality commission for Great Britain.

This work is under way and we are listening to the views of all stakeholders and considering them carefully. No decisions have been taken. We will set out our view on the feasibility of a single commission, as well as the outcome of the consultation on implementing the Article 13 directives in the autumn.

Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have received on reports that the Disability Rights Commission is to be merged with other statutory agencies created to combat discrimination; and what replies they have sent. [HL4962]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The Government's consultation paperTowards Equality and Diversity, published in December 2001, set out our proposals for implementing the EC Employment and Race Directives. We also stated that we saw arguments in favour of a single statutory commission in the longer term. Following this, we announced on 15 May a project to look at the feasibility of, and options for, creating a single equality commission for Great Britain.

We have received a number of representations in response to Towards Equality and Diversity and following the announcement on 15 May that specifically refer to the Disability Rights Commission. We are listening to the views of all stakeholders on this issue and considering them carefully. No decisions have been taken, and we will set out our view on the feasibility of a single commission, as well as the outcome of the consultation on implementing the EC directives, in the autumn.