§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what practical steps the Government are taking to address issues of equality. [176491]
§ Jacqui SmithSince 1997 the Government have worked to increase opportunity and tackle discrimination and disadvantage through a wide range of legislation, policies and programmes. This includes introducing new legislation outlawing discrimination in employment on grounds of sexual orientation, religion and belief (and in due course age); strengthening existing legislation on disability discrimination; strengthening the Race Relations Act including introducing a duty on public bodies to promote race equality; and publication of a draft Disability Discrimination Bill, which will further extend rights and opportunities for disabled720W people. We are also continuing to improve the workings of the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act, for example, through the introduction of the Equal Pay questionnaire and through action to streamline the complex rules of procedure relating to equal value tribunal cases. Further major steps are in progress or planned.
The White Paper "Fairness for all" published on 12 May 2004 proposes the creation of a single Commission for Equality and Human Rights. This step reflects the first comprehensive review of our statutory equality institutions for quarter of a century and makes clear the Government's determination to place equality and human rights at the heart of society. The CEHR will champion equality and diversity, tackle discrimination robustly, provide support for the full breadth of discrimination legislation and promote a culture of respect for human rights. It will be able to serve all the communities covered by discrimination legislation more effectively than at present, while retaining focus, knowledge and expertise relevant to particular groups.