HC Deb 01 March 1962 vol 654 cc1510-1
11. Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

asked the Minister of Education what steps he has taken, in co-operation with transport contractors and school authorities, to ensure orderly behaviour on school buses.

Sir D. Eccles

This is a matter for local education authorities, which are responsible for arranging school transport.

Mr. Mallalieu

Does not the Minister remember that he said in the House a month or so ago that he was having consultations with the local authorities about this and was proposing some sort of new scheme? Who is responsible for the maintenance of discipline on these buses after school hours? Is it the school or the contractor?

Sir D. Eccles

It is for the local authorities to make arrangements with the transport contractors which are satisfactory. In the case which the hon. Gentleman knows, there was an unfortunate incident, and I hope that it will not occur again.

Mr. Awbery

Is it not possible to establish bus wardens, on similar lines to the traffic wardens, to do this work?

Sir D. Eccles

I will consider that.