§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on the introduction of European Union non-discrimination legislation under Article 6(a) of the Treaty of Amsterdam covering areas not currently covered by United Kingdom legislation. [16492]
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§ Mr. Doug HendersonWe will consider each proposal for legislation under Article 6a of the Treaty of Amsterdam on its merits when it is brought forward.
§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make it his policy to refuse to agree to any European Union non-discrimination legislation under Article 6(a) of the Treaty of Amsterdam which provides a lower standard of protection against discrimination than is already provided by United Kingdom legislation; [16497]
(2) if Her Majesty's Government will, during its European Union Presidency, ask the Commission to commence drafting European Union non-discrimination legislation under Article 6(a) of the Treaty of Amsterdam. [16498]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Commission will not be able to bring forward any proposals for legislation under Article 6a of the Treaty of Amsterdam until ratification is complete. The UK will consider each measure on its individual merit. All proposals must be agreed by unanimity.