Equality Bill [Lords]

That does not actually mean that the legislation will not be over-centralised in its administration throughout those regional offices. Some who called for the Bill do not have the same agenda as the House or Opposition Members. They will want to use it for their own means and ends. I hope that the Minister will ensure that such people will not be able to do so. If the Bill is too rigid and too politicised it could be exploited by such people. I urge the Government to be wary of over-centralisation. I have a genuine query for the Minister. Part 4 of the Bill places a duty on public authorities to promote equality of opportunity between men and women. How will that impact upon political candidate selection for all political parties? I should genuinely like to know whether the legislation affects what is already in place. Discrimination is in itself abhorrent. It is unjust, unfair and it should be unlawful. It destroys confidence, blights lives and denies people opportunity. In a civilised society, discrimination in whatever form should simply not exist. I am opposed to legislation for the sake of it, but the Bill is necessary and well-intentioned in today’s society. We must hope that the Government will ensure that their good intentions are not abused by those who will try to use the Bill to meet their own ends.