§ 31. Mr. MacFarquharasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will now list the principal objections received to his consultative document on school transport.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe Association of Metropolitan Authorities and the Association of County Councils empha-466W sised the administrative difficulties which the introduction of charging and the abolishing of the walking distances would entail; but the majority of correspondents objected to the principle of charging for travel to and from school, among them the Catholic Education Council, the Church of England Board of Education, the National Union of Teachers, 93 local political and other groups and some 280 individuals, either directly or through their Member of Parliament.
§ Mr. Temple-Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the present state of consultation with local authorities and interested parties on the question of a fixed charge for all school transport, irrespective of mileage limits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe response of the local authority associations and other interested parties and individuals to the consultative document on school transport has revealed widespread opposition to the introduction of a charge for pupils now receiving free transport. In the present economic situation it would not be possible to devise improved arrangements which did not include such a charge. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend has no plans for further consultation, and is unable to forecast when legislation might be introduced to make significant changes in the present system.