School Transport

HC Deb 29 November 1977 vol 940 cc165-6W

21. Mr. Raphael Tuck

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations have been made to her about the current provision of school transport.

31. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations she has received relating to free school transport; and if she will make a statement.

39. Mr. Luce

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received concerning the provision of school transport.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The present unsatisfactory arrangements for home-to-school transport give rise to a number of representations from parents and from hon. Members on both sides of the House. No acceptable alternative has yet been found, despite several attempts, and my right hon. Friend has now commissioned a study to identify the administrative and financial implications of introducing a flat-rate charge for all distances.

27. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science when she intends to introduce amending legislation to allow new arrangements for the provision of school transport, to include a flat-rate charge for all, subject to suitable remission proposals.

32. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further progress has been made with consideration of proposals for varying the present rules governing the provision of school transport

56. Mr.Charles Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she intends to make any revision of the arrangements for school transport; and if she will make a statement.

Miss Margaret Jackson

My right hon. Friend has commissioned a study of the administrative and financial implications of introducing new arrangements for the provision of home-to-school transport which would include a flat-rate charge for all distances, subject to suitable remission arrangements. The work should be finished by the end of the year and, depending on the conclusions reached, should facilitate the preparation of proposals for the amending legislation which would be necessary.