(LETTER FROM ANDREW SMITH MP)

8 October 1997

Dear Mr Whittle,

Thank you for your letter etc.

I do share your concern that transsexuals should not be discriminated against in the workplace and I am alert to some of the problems they experience.

The Government is committed to implementing the European Court of Justice’s ruling in the P v S & Cornwall County Council case, which has established that the European Equal Treatment Directive covers not just sex discrimination in employment, but also discrimination on grounds of sex change. I am glad that so far Industrial Tribunals have succesfully interpreted the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. However the ruling does raise a number of complex issues which require careful consideration and consultation with others.

We expect to begin consultations shortly and to look to organisations such as Press For Change for advice on the employment and workplace problems experienced by transseuxals and those undergoing gender reassignment. I hope you will take part in the consultation. But if there are any immediate points you would like to register, I suggest you contact my official XXXXX on XXXXXXXXXXX

Yours sincererly

Andrew Smith