§ Kali MountfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to hold discussions with(a) legal experts, (b) medical experts and (c) representatives of transsexual people with regard to the consultation paper Legislation Regarding Discrimination on Grounds of Transsexualism in Employment. [33124]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Department intends to have discussions with medical experts and representatives of transsexual people as part of the consultation process. Legal expertise is available within the Department and Government, although we will consider any comments received from others in the legal community who wish to respond to the consultation document.
§ Kali MountfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what submissions his Department has received in response to the consultation paper Legislation Regarding Discrimination on Grounds of Transsexualism in Employment. [33125]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe consultation period is not yet over. So far the majority of comments received in response to the Consultative Paper have been from transsexuals and organisations representing their interests. These have been generally helpful in assisting in clarifying typical experiences at work. Comments from employers, trade unions, local authorities, the medical profession, and educationists are expected.
§ Kali MountfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the ECJ ruling in the case of P v S and Cornwall County Council, with reference to the consultation document Legislation Regarding Discrimination on Grounds of Transsexualism in Employment; and if he will make a statement. [33126]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe European Court of Justice has ruled that to dismiss a person on grounds of gender reassignment is contrary to the Equal Treatment Directive. This Government are fully committed to implementing the ruling in UK law, and will make decisions on necessary changes in the light of outcomes from the current consultation.