§ 11. Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the hardship caused to the parents of schoolchildren over the age of 14 years who have to pay full adult fares for journeys to and from school; and if he will take steps to reduce such hardship.
§ Mr. J. StuartNo, Sir. Pupils who live beyond walking distance of their school have their fares paid, or transport otherwise provided by the education authority. Where pupils who live within walking distance choose to travel to school by public transport I understand that they generally receive fare concessions even if over 14.
§ Mr. HamiltonWould the Minister not regard it as desirable that children of school age, which means under 15 years, should be allowed to travel at half fare? Their parents have lost that year's earning power—we think rightly—and it would be a concession which would be negligible financially but of considerable benefit to the parents themselves.
§ Mr. StuartI understand that all the bus companies owned by the British Transport Commission have special season tickets for pupils. Actually this question of fare concessions is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and I will draw his attention to the hon. Member's Question.