HC Deb 02 November 1979 vol 972 c699W
Mr. Canavan

asked 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 Fletcher

This information is not available.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of free school transport.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

In 1979–80, £15.0 million at 1979 survey prices.

Mr. Canavan

asked 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 Fletcher

My 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.

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