Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many prosecutions there have been of transport operators for discriminating against guide dogs and their owners in each of the last five years.

I understand the harm that the refusal of an assistance dog causes, not only to its owners ability to complete the journey that they set out to make but also to travel with confidence in the future.

We do not currently collect data on the outcome of assistance dog refusal incidents reported to local authorities, however my officials and I meet regularly with assistance dog owners and their representatives and I understand anecdotally that few refusals result in a successful prosecution.

I want to understand why this is, and will be reviewing the available evidence with a view to eradicating such unacceptable discrimination.