Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Monday, 18 October 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 October 1999. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 October 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will extend section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to cover minicabs, with particular reference to the problems of sight impaired people with guide dogs. - Includes ref to 336 c669W.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to cover minicabs, with particular reference to the problems of sight-impaired people with guide dogs. [94865] Mr. Hill: Such a change would require primary legislation and at this stage we have no plans to introduce any amendment in respect of private hire vehicles (PHVs). Having said that, there is a power available to licensing authorities outside London under Section 51(2) of the Local Government (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, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 25 October, Official Report, column 669.

Secondary information