§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities do not grant concessionary bus fares to women over retirement age whose husbands are working; and whether he has given local authorities any advice on the matter.
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§ Mr. HoramA few authorities have limited their schemes in this way, but we do not know how many. Circular 2/78 advised local authorities to provide half-fare concessions. This advice is applicable to all those for whom concessions may be provided under section 138 of the Transport Act, 1968, including women over the age of 60 years.
§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the levels of concessionary fares throughout the United Kingdom provided by funds from central Government are equal in all regions.
§ Mr. William RodgersI shall continue to repeat the advice I gave in circular 2/78 that local authorities should introduce a half fare concession as a minimum for the elderly and handicapped. I cannot at this stage make available from the resources of central Government sufficient means to raise all schemes to the best at present available.