Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I have always had an immense appreciation of Lord Hailsham. He was a remarkable person, and I think that the excerpt that I have been quoting is one of the most valiant yet pertinent things that he ever said. If I may, I conclude it by reminding your Lordships that he said:"““So in my democracy””—" note the word ““democracy””—"““let elitism in all its multiplicity flourish. It is the leaven in the lump, the salt in the dish, the thing without which life is flat, stale and unprofitable. It is the pursuit of excellence in all its forms””." There was not much equality there—not much moulding of society there. Equality and excellence are the opposite ends of the spectrum. I just hope that the Government will encourage excellence and enterprise and will not, whether intentionally or unintentionally, ensure their subordination. In my view, the Bill is likely to do just that.