Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proposals he has for alleviating the cost of transport to school for pupils under school leaving age who now pay adult fares.
§ Mr. MulleyA consultative document setting out a possible scheme of revised arrangements for school transport has been sent to the local authority associations and other interested organisations500W for comment. The scheme in essence would abolish statutory walking distances; empower local education authorities to arrange transport to and from school, wherever in their view circumstances or needs warranted it, at a uniform charge fixed according to prescribed principles; and provide for remission of charge in cases of hardship or handicap. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are considering the policy issues involved and will announce our proposals as soon as possible. I have arranged 501W to have copies of the document placed in the Library.