Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I shall respond briefly to the charming though slightly grumpy remarks made by the noble Lord, because it is important to recognise that the Human Rights Act lays down an essential framework for the respect of people’s human rights. It is right that it should apply to public authorities. The intelligence services are agents of the United Kingdom Government and the Government are answerable for their activities in front of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The reason for the amendment is that there could be a risk that proceedings against the intelligence services might involve the public release of information sensitive to national security. This is why the Investigatory Powers Tribunal was set up, so that cases could be fully heard without jeopardising national security. The amendment is small but, we believe, important. In order not to end on a sour note, however, I should say that it has been a privilege to be associated with this legislation. On Question, Motion agreed to. 39 Schedule 3, page 79, line 8, at end insert— ““50A   Section 49I (conciliation of disputes: rented housing in Scotland) shall cease to have effect.”” 40 page 80, line 9, at end insert—    ““Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10) 61   In paragraph 8(e) of Schedule 5 to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, for ““Disability Rights Commission”” substitute ““Commission for Equality and Human Rights””.    Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 01) 62   In each of the following provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, for ““Disability Rights Commission”” substitute ““Commission for Equality and Human Rights””— (a)   section 53(1)(g), (b)   section 65(4), and (c)   section 67(2)(b)(i).”” 41 Schedule 4, page 82, line 10, column 2, at end insert— ““Section 49I.””