HC Deb 25 January 1967 vol 739 cc1482-3
10. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Transport what progress has been made so far in allowing retired people concessionary fares on public transport in all areas.

32. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Transport if she will now take steps to enable retirement pensioners and others in receipt of social security payments to have concessionary fares on all public transport.

51. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Transport whether she will now make a further statement on the question of travel concessions for non-municipal bus operators.

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend has now received replies from the associations of local authorities whom she consulted on what would be involved in an extension of their powers to contribute towards the cost of concessionary fares. She is considering all their views in order to see what amending legislation may be necessary.

Mr. Winnick

I am grateful for that reply, but is my hon Friend aware of the very strong feeling among pensioners about the need to have these reduced fares on public transport during off-peak hours? Can my hon. Friend give any kind of date as to when we are likely to have a further statement on this matter?

Mr. Swingler

My right hon. Friend is aware of the widespread demand for an extension in this sense. That is why she initiated these discussions with the local authority associations. She will be in a position very soon to make a statement on the subject.

Mr. Roberts

Is my hon. Friend aware that, since I tabled my Question, I have had dozens of letters calling for urgent action? Is he also aware that many Labour-controlled local authorities, like Luton, are anxious to offer this concession to old-age pensioners and are only waiting for the go-ahead from Westminster?

Mr. Swingler

Yes, Sir. We are aware of this. But my hon. Friend will recognise that this is a matter of the power and functions of local authorities. It is right that they should be able to give their views to my right hon. Friend. But they are not all in complete agreement about the manner of doing this, and therefore it takes a little time to carry through the discussion.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the demands for concessions of this type would be greatly diminished if the Government succeeded in maintaining the value of the pensions?