---

Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that answer and I thank all who have spoken in support of these amendments. I have no doubt about the political will but, like my noble friend Lord Smith of Finsbury, I believe these provisions could be and should be made now. I give fair notice to the noble Baroness that in the weeks between now and when the Bill comes back we will expect her department to have made some significant progress in remedying this problem. In the event that they cannot or will not make it happen, I want my noble friend to be in no doubt that we will test the opinion of the House. She knows the strength of feeling on these Benches. But for today, given her words, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 171 to 187 not moved.] Clause 82 [Prohibition of discrimination]: