To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will take steps to establish a strategy to tackle age discrimination and promote age equality in the provision of goods and services (a) by his Department and (b) within the sectors for which his Department has policy responsibility; and if he will make a statement. (243016)

The forthcoming Equality Bill will enable the Government to make it illegal to discriminate unjustifiably against adults aged 18 and over, because of their age when providing goods, facilities and services. The reforms will apply to all sectors of the economy including those for which BERR has policy responsibility.

BERR aims to have a work force that reflects the diverse community the Department serves. The Department's diversity strategy links into BERR’s employment policies and practices; and guidance and training on avoiding all forms of discrimination, including age, is available to all staff.

The Department contractually requires its suppliers and their sub-contractors to adhere to its anti-discrimination policies and broader legislation. The Department will continue to implement emerging best practice in this area.