§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities(a) issue free bus passes, (b) issue some form of assisted bus passes and (c) do not provide free or assisted travel for their pensioners.
§ Mr. FreemanAccording to a survey of local authorities done by the Department of Transport in 1986, there were concessionary fares schemes for pensioners in 92 per cent. of districts in England and Wales, some operated by district councils and some by county councils or passenger transport executives. Of the 285 schemes for the elderly, 19 provided for free fares. There were no concessionary fares schemes in 29 districts. In London, a free fare scheme is funded by the boroughs.
§ Mr. PatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to make it mandatory for every local authority to provide a free bus pass to their pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanLocal authorities always have discretionary powers to provide for reduced fares or free travel for people of state pensionable ago on local public transport services, and we have no plans to change these arrangements.