§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pupils of each age group receive free school transport; and how many of those pupils attend denominational schools.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThis information is not available.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of free school transport.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIn 1979–80, £15.0 million at 1979 survey prices.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will list details of the free school transport scheme operated by each local education authority in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherMy information is that nine authorities provide free transport for children who would have to walk more than the statutory distances—2 miles up to the age of 8 and 3 miles thereafter—with minor local or seasonal variations in four cases. Fife and Lothian reduce the walking distance to 2 miles for the over-eights, and Strathclyde operate distances of 1 mile for all primary and 2 miles for all secondary pupils.