§ Dr. FrancisTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of the benefits of a federal model for the Single Equality Body for promoting equality and fairness for people with disabilities; [118199]
(2) if he will ensure that disability will continue to have high priority in the primary legislation which will create the Single Equality Body. [118200]
§ Maria EagleWe are still considering responses to the consultation document "Equality and Diversity—Making it happen" on future institutional support for equality legislation including the submission from the Disability Rights Commission. We will be making a statement on the broad shape of future arrangements in due course. The challenge for Government is to ensure that whatever decisions are made deliver a structure which serves the needs of all people covered by equality legislation including disabled people.