HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1387-8
21. Mr. P. Browne

asked the Minister of Education what instructions are issued by his Department to local education authorities about tendering for school transport facilities.

Mr. Chataway

None, Sir; this is a matter for the local education authority.

Mr. Browne

I am fully aware of that, but will my hon. Friend try to ensure that the local education authorities, with which, after all, he has close liaison, when they receive and consider tenders for local bus services, take into account the private firms in particular which run stage services in rural districts, bearing in mind that we want to keep our rural bus services in operation? They are already contracting quite enough.

Mr. Chataway

I know that that is a consideration in the minds of several local authorities, but it is not for my right hon. Friend.