HC Deb 25 March 1952 vol 498 cc182-3
14. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the estimated annual increase in the cost of transporting schoolchildren to and from school as a result of the recent increase in the price of petrol.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

I regret that this information is not available and could not be obtained without involving the education authorities in a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

Mr. Hamilton

Are there not already two extra Ministers at the Scottish Office? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the recent circular it was emphasised that economies could, and should, be made in transport expenditure; and is it not a fact that, because of the increase in the price of petrol, transport costs, far from being reduced, will be increased?

Mr. Stewart

If the hon. Member's Question were to be answered, it would involve the local authorities in getting the information. This has nothing at all to do with the Ministers. We thought that it would be too difficult to get that information.

Mr. Hamilton

Does the Minister agree that, as a result of the increased cost of petrol, transport costs will increase, though the circular asks for economy?

Mr. Stewart

Undoubtedly, on account of the increased price of petrol, transport costs are bound to go up a little.