To ask Her Majesty's Government when the forthcoming Equality Bill is expected to be published; and whether it will contain provisions to tackle social class discrimination. [HL1612]

We will introduce the Equality Bill as soon as it is ready.

The Government believe that factors such as where someone lives, their vocation and their family background should not put someone at a disadvantage. We are presently in consultation with interested parties regarding the concept and design of a strategic duty on public bodies to address socioeconomic disadvantage. No decisions have yet been taken.