§ Mr. Don FosterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of extending the 50 per cent. concessionary fare scheme to 100 per cent., using the same basis as outlined in the national concessionary fares scheme cost assessment (annexe B), in the consultation document, "Implementation of Statutory Minimum Concessionary Fares Commitment". [113582]
§ Mr. Hill[holding answer 8 March 2000]: The estimated extra cost, in respect of people of pensionable age, and assuming a minimum charge of £5 for a bus pass, is in the order of £300 million per year for local authorities in England and Wales. This reflects the fact that relatively few local authorities already operate concessionary fare schemes which provide travel at less than half fare.