---

Equality Bill

With the leave of the House, Mr. Speaker, I shall reply to the debate. As ever, the hon. Member for Forest of Dean (Mr. Harper) has over-argued his case. I hope that he sometimes has pause for thought about how conjuring up surreal incidents of harassment—putting forward examples that have never existed and suggesting that people behave as outrageously as he wants to suggest—can be divisive. The Liberal Democrats have broadly supported the Bill, and we are glad of that; I am just sorry that the hon. Member for Forest of Dean cannot understand how extreme his views are. The Tories say that they are in favour of the Bill, but they have ended as they began, wanting only to codify and streamline, showing no interest in mobilising the public authorities to tackle further socio-economic inequality and no interest in positive action, and coming out against anything likely to be effective in improving equal pay. Although at the Dispatch Box the hon. Gentleman no doubt believes that his party is pro-equality, when its Members are off camera they are different, and the mask slips. His colleagues show him up. Contrary to what has just been asserted, the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) undoubtedly said that a bed-and-breakfast trader should be allowed to turn a gay couple away. The Bill will work only if it is driven and pressed through society. I have listened to all that is said by the hon. Gentleman's colleagues when the mask slips, although he is strong and fair on equality. Older people, women, victims of caste discrimination and the many other people whose lives will be improved by the Bill know perfectly well that the only Government who will drive it forward are the next Labour Government. Lords amendment 1 agreed to. Lords amendment 2 agreed to. One hour having elapsed since the commencement of proceedings on consideration of Lords amendments, the proceedings were interrupted (Programme Order, this day). The Speaker put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time (Standing Order No. 83F). Lords amendments 3 to 114 agreed to.