HL Deb 17 June 2002 vol 636 c53WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 20 May (WA76–77), what are their reasons for deciding not to introduce primary legislation to make it unlawful to discriminate on grounds of sexual orientation, religious belief and age, not only in the areas covered by the European Union directives (employment and occupation) but also in the provision of goods, facilities and services, thereby matching the provision of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Race Relations Act 1976. [HL4475]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

Preparing new legislation to outlaw discrimination in work and vocational training on grounds of sexual orientation, religion and age is already a major undertaking and one on which we need to maintain a clear focus. On that basis, we have no plans at present to extend that legislation to cover the provision of goods, facilities and services.