HC Deb 20 April 1999 vol 329 cc502-3W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales under what provision the National Assembly is given the power to introduce free bus travel for pensioners. [80511]

Mr. Michael

Following the transfer of powers, the National Assembly will be responsible for overseeing the administration of concessionary fares schemes operated by local authorities under the provisions of Part V of the Transport Act 1985. The nature of the schemes is at present a matter for local authority discretion, although the Government are committed to the introduction of legislation to set a minimum standard for pensioners travelling on buses. In the meantime, the Welsh Office has worked closely with local authorities and I have ensured that all authorities in Wales are in a position to operate schemes for pensioners which at least meet a minimum standard of a £5 bus pass entitling the holder to travel at half-fare. We are now working with local authorities and bus operators to prepare the way for the Welsh Assembly to support the introduction of free bus travel for pensioners over the next two to three years.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the funding for the scheme to provide free bus travel for pensioners will come from local authority funds. [80512]

Mr. Hain

At present it is for local authorities to make financial provision for their concessionary fares schemes from the resources available to them. I am currently consulting local authorities and bus operators on how best to implement free bus travel for pensioners, which I expect to see over the next two to three years. The method of funding the additional costs will be a matter for the National Assembly to determine.

Following the transfer of functions, the National Assembly will be responsible for overseeing the administration of concessionary fares schemes by local authorities.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what role the National Assembly will have in the operation of a scheme to provide free bus travel for pensioners. [80513]

Mr. Michael

Following the transfer of functions, the National Assembly will be responsible for overseeing the administration of concessionary fares schemes by local authorities in Wales.