Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to implement Section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 so that guide dogs for the blind have to be accepted by taxis and minicabs at no extra charge. [HL4497]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonWe have planned to consult on the draft regulations to be made under Section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act as part of the larger package of accessibility regulations covering taxis. Since that package is still some way from being finalised, and we are aware of the increasing concern being expressed about the carriage of guide dogs in taxis, we now intend to consult separately on the Section 37 provisions early in the new year.
The draft regulations to be introduced under Section 37 will only apply to taxis. To apply similar provisions to private hire vehicles (PHVs or minicabs) would require primary legislation and at this stage we have no plans to introduce any amendment in respect of PHVs.
However, there is a power available to licensing authorities outside London under Section 51(2) of the Local Government I Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 enabling them to attach such conditions to the grant of a PHV driver's licence as they consider reasonably necessary. Bearing in mind that this power is subject to an appeals procedure, it would be up to individual councils in their capacity as licensing authorities to consider whether it could, or should, be applied in respect of guide dogs.
With regard to the situation in London, we are currently implementing provisions to regulate PHVs. The carriage of guide dogs will be considered when we consult jointly with the Public Carriage Office on proposals to regulate PHV drivers.