Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks by Lord Collins of Highbury on 26 February (HL Deb col 736), when they expect to conclude the consultation with Scottish and Welsh Ministers about the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.

The Minister is following the process in the Equality Act 2006 and is consulting the Devolved Governments at the relevant stages, as required under section 14(9). Consultation with Welsh and Scottish Ministers is required if, or in so far as, the Code relates to a duty imposed by or under the Public Sector Equality Duty. As part of the consultation, the draft Code has been shared with the Devolved Administrations. It is important that the correct process for laying the Code is followed. We will not be giving a running commentary whilst this takes place.