HC Deb 18 February 1954 vol 523 cc237-8W
90. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Education in view of the number of representations made to her, if she will reconsider her decision not to vary the ruling of the Glamorgan education authority refusing transport facilities to children from the Colcot area of Barry who have to attend the Jenner Road School, Barry; and in particular if she will consider making some concession in favour of the youngest children affected; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Horsbrugh

The matter is primarily for the local education authority for Glamorgan to consider, and as the distance which the children have to walk is less than the walking distance laid down in Section 39 (5) of the Education Act, 1944, I do not feel able to intervene.

Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Education what representations she has received from the Staffordshire County Council on the subject of permission being granted to the council to revert to the school report scheme in operation prior to the issue of Circular 242.

Miss Horsbrugh

I received a letter from the Staffordshire local education authority seeking my agreement to such a change. In my reply I explained that the need to economise in public expenditure has not diminished and that I cannot agree to any general relaxation of the measures I asked authorities to adopt in Circular 242. At the same time I reminded the authority that it is open to them to suggest concessions in exceptional cases where they consider that special justification exists.

Mr. Snow

asked the Minister of Education if she will consider certain information sent to her by the hon. Member for Lichfield and Tamworth; and, in view of this information, if she will now cancel the school transport restrictions imposed under her Circular No. 242.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have read the article to which the hon. Gentleman has drawn my attention. I see no reason to modify the terms of Circular 242. It already stated that I am prepared to consider exceptional cases where the local education authority could satisfy me that special justification exists for the provision of free transport over distances less than the statutory minima. The circular specifically mentions traffic dangers as one of the possible grounds for such exceptional provision.