HL Deb 09 February 1977 vol 379 cc1142-4

2.45 p.m.

Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will use their influence to obtain railway fare concessions for mature students on mandatory grants.

Baroness STEDMAN

No, my Lords; the British Railways Board have sole responsibility for determining what reduced fares they wish to offer on the railways. It would not be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to seek to influence the Railways Board in their judgment of these commercial matters.

Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

My Lords, while thanking the Baroness for that disappointing reply, may I ask what steps the Government can take to help those mature students, such as architects or art historians, returning to their studies who need to get about the country and who are desperately inhibited by the present cost of travel?

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, the ordinary grant for full-time students in further and higher education contains an element of £26 for necessary travel in attending the establishment or course by making one return journey per term. Any amount spent in excess in fares for essential journeys are reimbursed at the discretion of the local authority who provide the grant. This Question ought to be addressed to my noble friend Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge and not to someone answering for the British Railways Board.

Several noble Lords: Answering for the Government!

Lord BROCKWAY

My Lords, is it not the case that British Rail made some concession on this matter yesterday? Does the noble Baroness include in her reply the concessions which were made to students?

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, British Rail have given an undertaking—and it is reported in the newspapers today—that they were prepared for the holders of British Rail Student Travel Rail Cards still to buy half-rate tickets even though the NUS travel service has collapsed.

Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEY

My Lords, would the Government—I am sorry that she is the wrong Minister, but I am asking the Government—consider issuing a circular advising local authorities that where these journeys are necessary for study a grant should be given in all cases?

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, I regret that that, again, is a Question that should be addressed to my noble friend Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge.

Earl FERRERS

My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware—and I am sure that she is—that when she answers a Question she answers on behalf of the Government and not on behalf of a Department?

Lord BYERS

My Lords, is it not the right formula for the noble Baroness to state that she will draw this matter to the attention of the noble Lord, Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge?

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, I shall be happy to do so. I am sure that my noble friend Lord Donaldson will read the report of the proceedings.