§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish a consultation document on possible extension to the clergy and other official holders of rights under the Employment Relations Act 1999. [149115]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonI intend to publish later this year a discussion paper on all the legal issues relating to employment status as they affect the coverage of statutory employment rights. I envisage that the position of members of the clergy and other office holders will be among the issues raised. Any future proposals for changes in the legislation in this regard will be considered in the light of responses to the discussion paper.