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Equality Bill [HL]

I reassure the noble Baroness that we understand the issues that she has raised here. The noble Lord, Lord Lester, is also right in relation to the complexity and the things that we will have to look at. I also assure the noble Duke, the Duke of Montrose, that Scotland and how the measure impacts on Scotland will be an integral part of those things that we will have to assure. So the Government will consider the case for reform of the current equality duties, including the case for a single duty. However, I hope that your Lordships will understand that it is essential to consult public bodies in developing specific proposals. It is too early to say, therefore, whether all strands listed in Amendment No. 215A could be covered by a single duty; that will be considered during the discrimination law review. There is very little between the noble Baroness and ourselves save for timing, and we will ensure that we consider these issues thoroughly, because we shall have to ensure that all the issues that have been highlighted in relation to the other parts of the discrimination agenda are looked at in relation to these aspects as well. I hope that the noble Baroness will understand, therefore, why I cannot accept her amendments tonight, but we shall consider the issue during the discrimination law review.