Equality Bill [HL]

I agree with everything that has been said by the noble Baroness. The Minister said previously that parliamentary counsel does not like adding unnecessary words to statutory language. I am sure that this is not their fault. However, I find the way that Clause 13 is expressed extraordinary. If it was just that the commission shall monitor progress in achieving its statutory objectives—something of that kind or something a little longer than that—that would be fine. The Minister has said from time to time—I agree with her—that she hates unnecessary lists and undue prescription that will fetter the operation of the commission. She knows that   I also dislike the word ““stakeholders””, but I also find the words ““outcomes”” and ““indicators”” and the phrase ““relevant identified indicator”” to be unsightly jargon words which read like machine language. I do not think that a Bill about human rights ought to be expressed in those terms. Therefore, it seems to me that the provision needs to be redrafted before Report stage into something which is fit for human use. I could have a go, if necessary, but I would rather the Government did it. Therefore, I support the spirit of the amendment.