HL Deb 07 January 2003 vol 642 c185WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that strategic law enforcement should be given a high priority in tackling all forms of unlawful discrimination, as envisaged by the White Paper on Equality for Women (September 1974) and the White Paper Racial Discrimination (September 1975). [HL439]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government believe that individual right of redress and strategic enforcement with the potential for wider impact are both essential elements of discrimination law.

The Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission all exercise independent judgment in the discharge of their functions, including their enforcement powers. The Government consider that this independence is a fundamental feature of the way in which the commissions work.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission should perform their functions with respect to the enforcement of the anti-discrimination legislation independently from Government influence regarding the commissions' decisions to assist individual claimants, to conduct investigations, to issue non-discrimination notices or to bring proceedings in their own name; and, if not, what is the Government's perception of the proper relationship between the commissions and the Government with respect to the exercise of such functions in relation to law enforcement. [HL677]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission all exercise independent judgment in the discharge of all their functions within the context of their statutory obligations and status as non-departmental public bodies. The Government consider that this independence is a fundamental feature of the way in which the commissions work.