§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills before 16 September on proposals to stagger the school day; and if he will make a statement. [131619]
§ Mr. McNultyThe Secretaries of State for Transport and for Education and Skills have discussed staggered school opening hours on a number of occasions. Experience in some local authorities has shown that small changes to school opening hours can make a major difference to the economics of dedicated school bus services and can also improve services by allowing the same number of buses to provide a service to many more pupils. But this is a matter for individual schools and local authorities to take a view on, in developing comprehensive school travel plans.