Equality Bill [Lords]

I am grateful to the hon. and learned Lady for withdrawing a question that I cannot answer. I hope that the Minister will consider our reservations positively. Any criticism that Conservative Members make is meant to be constructive because we want the proposals to work. To command the widespread support that is necessary for that, the Bill must fulfil four specific conditions. First, the new body—the commission for equality and human rights—must be cost-effective. I am worried about the Government’s estimate of its running costs. The Minister said that they are likely to be £70 million per annum—almost 50 per cent. more than the current cost of the three bodies it would replace.