School Transport

HC Deb 10 December 1975 vol 902 cc440-1

6. Mr. Adam Hunter

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now able to make a statement on the report of the Working Party on School Transport set up in 1972.

Mr. McElhone

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on Monday 8th December.

Mr. Hunter

Is my hon. Friend aware that some hints have come my way that the recommendations contain many proposals that I do not like? Is he also aware that I have always advocated that free school transport should be our objective? Is the recommendation that all school children should pay a flat-rate fare regardless of distance from the school likely to be implemented? If so, it will be vigorously resisted by my constituents.

Mr. McElhone

I understand my hon. Friend's concern about this matter. He has raised it before in the House. Free transport beyond a certain distance and discretion to provide free transport have always been matters for local authorities, prior to any change in the legislation. My hon. Friend's suggestion would be fine in an ideal world in which no financial stringencies were operating. At the same time, we must bear in mind that any plan such as that would also involve a cost on the rates and would have to be taken into account in calculating the new rate support grant.

Mrs. Bain

Is the Minister aware that there are still great anomalies within the regions, which were to a certain extent expected to unify transport conditions in their areas, and that many people are sick to the back teeth of having weak excuses from the Government, who seem to have a strange set of priorities?

Mr. William Ross

Nonsense!

Mr. McElhone

I echo the comment of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Consultations are now in progress. We must also have regard to the number of Members who have written to us expressing concern about any possible changes. Local authorities have expressed to me informally the idea that this change should not take place. Therefore, there are varying views on the matter. We are considering them. When the Bill is published, the hon. Lady will have the option of voting for or against us.