Equality Bill

My Lords, I shall be quick; I appreciate the time factor. I think the Minister will understand that this is a major advance in a range of fields, not least regarding transparency, which the electorate understands. We all know the rumours, allegations and snide and derogatory remarks about the general make-up of candidates in a party, so I congratulate the opposition Front Bench for having so clearly told us that the principle that is enshrined in this amendment, if not the detail, is endorsed by their party leader. That is based on his sensitivity to the charge that may be made, as it may to any party, that within that party there is an element that is undesirable. The most reverend Primate has indicated that this could be a charter for causing grief. That is always possible; at the moment, without any aspect of legislation, grief can already be created. Other than the nitpicking that might occur regarding one aspect or another, the principle that the public are entitled to have as much information as possible about the make-up of candidates—not individually, no names to be published, no ability for people to be identified—the general principle is sound. The Government ought to be congratulated on bringing forward the amendment.