§ 8. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about co-ordinating measures to facilitate bus travel for pensioners and the disabled. [12474]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI meet the First Secretary on a regular basis and discuss a range of issues, including transport.
As the Prime Minister stated during his address to the Assembly, policy on concessionary travel was made in Wales and is now being extended to England.
§ 27. Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales about measures to facilitate bus travel for pensioners and the disabled. [12495]
§ Mr. TouhigMy right hon. Friend meets the First Secretary on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues, including transport.
As the Prime Minister stated during his address to the Assembly, policy on concessionary travel was made in Wales and is now being extended to England.
From 1 April this year free passes have been available to pensioners and disabled passengers guaranteeing at least 50 per cent. concessions on local buses, a move estimated to have benefited some 600,000 pensioners and disabled passengers. From 1 April 2002 these passes will guarantee free local bus travel for pensioners and disabled people.
A Bill is currently progressing in the House of Commons to equalise the entitlement to concessionary travel for men and women at the age of 60. It is estimated it will bring to some 8 million nationwide the number of people who benefit from the Government's statutory requirements for travel concessions, including some 75,000 men in Wales. It is currently planned to introduce these measures in England in April 2003. The Assembly will have its own commencement powers and could introduce earlier if it wished.