HC Deb 24 March 1977 vol 928 cc682-4W
Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport under what specific statutory authority travel concessions for children are granted.

Mr. Horam

Bus and rail operators do not in general require specific statutory authority to offer travel concessions to children. This is a matter for their commercial judgment, subject, in the case of bus operators, to the approval of the Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act 1960. Municipal bus undertakings have powers to grant concessions by virtue of the Public Service Vehicles (Travel Concessions) Act 1955 and the Travel Concessions Act 1964. Passenger transport executives are similarly empowered by Section 10 of the Transport Act 1968, and the London Transport Executive by Section 6 of the Transport (London) Act 1969.

Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of persons registered as handicapped with a local authority he estimates is eligible for travel concessions under Section 15(2) of the Transport Act 1968.

Mr. Horam

I regret that this information is not available. Local authorities and passenger transport executives are not required to inform the Department about reductions or waivers of charges authorised under Section 15(2)(b) of the Transport Act 1968.

Mr. Cowans

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the local authorities and passenger transport executives which provide travel concessions for children other than for travel to and from school.

Mr. Horam

At the time of a survey in August 1976 the following local authorities paid some or all of the cost of reduced fare travel for children other than travel to school, on buses in their areas: Greater Manchester County Council South Yorkshire County Council Blackburn Borough Council (in respect of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive services in the borough) Darlington Borough Council Derby Borough Council Rhymney Valley District Council.