HL Deb 08 July 2003 vol 651 cc26-7WA
Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations were made by the Commission for Racial Equality about the deficiencies in the Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003; and what were the responses thereto. [HL3433]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

The Commission for Racial Equality made a written submission in response to the Government's consultation on draft regulations to implement the EC Article 13 Race Directive and elements of the EC Article 13 Employment Directive. The Commission's submission can be viewed on its website atwww.cre.gov.uk. The Commission raised a large number of issues relating to the Government's proposals for implementing the directives—including the Government's use of secondary legislation instead of primary to implement the directive. The Government have already made known their reasons for the use of primary legislation. Home Office officials also met Commission officials during the consultation period.

Lord Ouseley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the issues arising from the extensive public consultations on the Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003; and what were the reasons for rejecting any suggestions made by the public and organisations in responses thereto. [HL3434]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government received 630 responses to their consultation on draft regulations to implement the EC Article 13 Race Directive and elements of the EC Article 13 Employment Directive. Although not all of these responses raised issues in respect of the draft race regulations, a significant number did. The issues raised covered the full range of amendments to the Race Relations Act 1976 encompassed by the regulations, as well as questions about the Government's implementation policy generally.

The aim of the consultation exercise was to elicit constructive views on the draft regulations in order to help to ensure that they properly implement the directives. Changes were made to three specific race issues—seamen recruited abroad, charities and small dwellings—as a result of suggestions made during the consultation process. These changes were reflected in the draft regulations. Where suggestions were rejected, they were rejected on the basis that they were inappropriate, that they did not add to the existing implementation strategy, or that they went back over issues where the Government had reached a decision.