Clause 138

Equality Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 1:15 pm ar 25 Mehefin 2009.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Contracting out

Photo of Vera Baird Vera Baird Solicitor General, Attorney General's Office

I beg to move amendment 82, in clause 138, page 100, line 16, after ‘of’, insert ‘or made under’.

This amendment would expand the scope of Clause 138(1) to render unenforceable a contractual term which purports to exclude or limit a provision made under the Bill in addition to a provision of the Bill itself. The amendment would complement the provisions already in the Bill.

Photo of Ann Winterton Ann Winterton Ceidwadwyr, Congleton

With this it will be convenient to discuss Government amendment 83.

Photo of Vera Baird Vera Baird Solicitor General, Attorney General's Office

I shall explain the amendment, which is slightly more substantial than the other amendments I have spoken to.

Clause 138 makes unenforceable the terms of any contract or non-contractual agreement that denies the individual the protection set out in the Bill. The amendments will make unenforceable contracts that deny individuals the rights given to them in secondary legislation under the Bill. They tidy matters up and make them more rational. I hope that is clear.

Amendment 82 agreed to.

Amendment made: 83, in clause 138, page 100, line 19, after ‘of’, insert ‘or made under’. —(The Solicitor-General.)

This amendment would expand the scope of Clause 138(2) to render unenforceable a relevant non-contractual term which purports to exclude or limit a provision made under the Bill in addition to a provision of the Bill itself. The amendment would complement the provisions already in the Bill.

Clause 138, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 139 to 142 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Ordered, That further consideration be now adjourned.—(Lyn Brown.)

Adjourned till Tuesday 30 June at half-past Ten o’clock.