Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the document entitled, Caste Legislation introduction programme and timetable, published in July 2013, for what reasons the draft order has not yet been published for consultation.

The Government timetable published in July 2013 made it clear that the draft order would be preceded by a public consultation on the prospective caste legislation. We are currently considering the form and timing of the public consultation in the light of ongoing caste discrimination legislation in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. We will await the outcome of the judgment before deciding in what form to issue the public consultation.