HC Deb 15 February 1977 vol 926 cc251-3
23. Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress has been made in the consultations with local authorities concerning the system of providing financial assistance towards the cost of children travelling to school.

Miss Margaret Jackson

My right hon. Friend is now exploring with the local authority associations the nature and extent of the administrative difficulties they consider would arise from the introduction of new school transport arrangements, I cannot say yet when these consultations will be completed.

Mr. Rodgers

Does the Minister agree that the present situation is totally absurd? As discussions have been going on for a considerable time, can she give any indication when the deadlock will be broken?

Miss Jackson

I agree with my hon. Friend that the present situation is absurd and creates great difficulties for many families. In proceeding with these new consultations, it is our hope that we shall get some agreement about changes in the not-too-distant future. I cannot be more specific, because local authorities see considerable difficulties.

Mr. Fry

Does the Minister agree that it is now many years since the working party set up by the present Leader of the Opposition reported, and during this period the ridiculous situation has continued whereby an arbitrary line drawn on a map means that of the children using the same bus from the same bus stop some are subsidised and others are not? Is it not time that a decision was taken on this issue, which is causing great financial hardship to families with three or four children at school?

Miss Jackson

My colleagues and I are very strongly inclined to agree with many of the things that the hon. Member said, but it is not for us to change the policy; it is a matter for the local authorities and the transport undertakings. There has been considerable resistance, particularly from the local authorities, to proposals for change. There has also been a great deal of resistance from those who benefit from the free arrangements at present. We are doing our best in this matter, but it is not easy.

Mr. Luce

Is it not clear that the flat rate scheme is much fairer, as it embraces those who are just within the statutory limits? At present these people have great difficulties in getting their children to school.

Miss Jackson

Yes, the flat rate system is simpler and fairer in that sense. With the introduction of a new system, we would be able to make adjustments for people with limited means, which we cannot do under the present system. I accept the points made by the hon. Member, but he must realise that it is a matter of making progress against considerable resistance. We are doing our best.