Written question asked by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Thursday, 9 November 2000 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, when he will implement section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to require licensed taxi drivers to carry guide and hearing dogs in their taxis and to do so without charge. - Inc fact that copies of leaflets placed in Library.

Answer: Ms Rosie Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will implement section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to require licensed taxi drivers to carry guide and hearing dogs in their taxis and to do so without charge. [138052] Mr. Hill: I am pleased to announce that from 31 March 2001 all licensed taxi drivers in England and Wales will be under a duty to carry guide, hearing and other prescribed assistance dogs in their taxis and to do so without additional charge. From 1 December 2000 local licensing authorities will be able to consider applications from taxi drivers and to issue certificates of exemption to those application who they consider merit a medical exemption. I have laid before the House the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Taxis) (Carrying of Guide Dogs etc.) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000. The Regulations prescribe three additional categories of dog to which Section 37 duties will also apply and deals with the notice which must be displayed by taxi drivers who are exempt on medical grounds from Section 37 duties. Full guidance is being sent to all local licensing authorities and a leaflet to all licensed taxi drivers informing them of these new duties and the arrangements for medical exemption. Copies of these documents will be placed in the House Library. I understand that the Scottish Executive will be introducing similar requirements for Scotland.

Secondary information