HC Deb 28 February 1973 vol 851 cc1499-500
34. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received about the proposal to introduce concessionary fares on public transport for young people under the age of 16 years.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Keith Speed)

Thirty-four since January 1972, including one petition.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister feel that it is time that this matter was given more serious attention? The concession was originally given for children at school, but subsequently the school leaving age was raised to 16? Will the Minister have consultations with the transport authorities with a view to issu- ing guidance about giving the concession at the age of 16?

Mr. Speed

Concessionary fares for children must be a matter for the commercial judgment of the operators. As for schoolchildren travelling to school, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has a working party considering this question at the moment.