Equality Bill [HL]

I am grateful to the Minister for her helpful reply. I am also grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Miller of Hendon. The point that she raised is one that we might well reconsider because the obligation to   give advice is undoubtedly less intrusive than the obligation to conduct an inquiry, investigation or assessment. Certainly, the threat to the activity of the commission is such that an excessive use of the power of direction might lead to an overload and a diversion of the finances available to the commission from higher priorities. Therefore, if the Secretary of State makes one of these directions, he should also be liable for providing any additional funding. That suggestion could be a helpful way out. Meanwhile, this matter needs to be considered in the time available before we have to decide whether to bring any of these amendments back again. Having said that, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 12 agreed to. Clause 13 [Monitoring progress]: