§ Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the present limits on providing free transport for schoolchildren; and whether 423W she will vary these in exceptional circumstances due to adverse traffic or geographical conditions.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeLocal education authorities have a duty to provide, or pay the cost of, transport to school for children of compulsory school age living beyond the statutory walking distances from the nearest suitable school. The statutory walking distances are defined in the Education Act, 1944, as 2 miles for children under 8 and 3 miles for older children. The Act also gives authorities discretionary power to provide transport in other circumstances.