Equality Bill [HL]

We do not believe that   these issues will cause difficulty. We have acknowledged that there has not been the opportunity to have extended consultation prior to the passage of this legislation. That is why Clause 52(3) contains certain regulation-making powers in relation to the education provisions that enable the Government to amend or repeal an exception or, if necessary, provide an additional exception. They also enable us to set out in more detail the way in which the definition of indirect discrimination will affect practice in schools. Before using these powers, the Secretary of State will consult education stakeholders in detail. That will include Church of England, Roman Catholic and other denominational schools. Any regulation that we make will need an affirmative resolution of both Houses, so your Lordships’ House and the other place will have an opportunity to debate it and to consider whether it is right and proper. Our intention is to review the working of the legislation in practice and to consult widely with schools and other stakeholders. These regulation-making powers will enable us to make any necessary changes to the scope and nature of the exceptions and to clarify the working of the legislation in so far as indirect discrimination is concerned, subject to parliamentary agreement. I understand that there may have been perceptions of insufficient consultation, but this is the vehicle that we have to make sure that we get these issues right.