§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Employment when he received the revised draft code of practice from the Commission for Racial Equality aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and promoting equal opportunity in employment; when he intends to present this to Parliament for approval; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonMy right hon. Friend received the draft code on 21 December 1981 and is now considering it under the procedures laid down in section 47 of the Race Relations Act 1976. The Act lays on him a duty, if he approves of the code, to lay it before Parliament under the negative resolution procedure or, if he does not approve of it, to publish details of his reasons for withholding approval. The Select Committee on Employment has indicated to him that it would like to give its views on the draft code. He has welcomed this interest and will take account of the views of the Committee in reaching his decision on the draft code.