HC Deb 25 February 1988 vol 128 cc316-7W
18. Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards anti-discrimination practices in employment.

Mr. Viggers

The Government are firmly committed to ensuring full equality of opportunity in employment for all Northern Ireland. Proposals for strengthening the law relating to discrimination on religious or political grounds are now being finalised. The consultation period on a proposal for a draft Sex Discrimination (Amendment) Order has just been completed, and that measure, which brings the position in Northern Ireland into line with that in Great Britain, should become law by the summer. Provision to prevent discrimination against disabled persons in employment continues to be made on the same basis in Northern Ireland as in the rest of the United Kingdom.

34. Mr. George Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish his White Paper on equal opportunity.

37. Ms. Armstrong

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will now announce the date for the publication of his White Paper on Equal Opportunity.

Mr. Viggers

My right hon. Friend will be making an announcement on the Government's policy proposals in the near future.