§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the draft Disability Bill; and what areas it will cover. [116464]
§ Maria EagleMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, announced on 22 January his intention to publish a draft Disability Bill later in 2003. The draft Bill, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny, is still being developed and its exact scope has yet to be finalised. However, measures in it will include proposals that the Government outlined in "Towards Inclusion", our response to the Disability Rights Task Force. Those being considered include: extending the DDA definition of disability to more people with HIV and cancer; introducing a duty on public bodies concerning equalisation of opportunities for disabled people; extending duties under Part 3 of the DDA in such areas as the function of public bodies, transport operators and premises; and covering membership of larger private clubs.