§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many district authorities run concessionary bus fare schemes for retirement pensioners in the United Kingdom; and what was the number in 1976 and 1977.
§ Mr. HoramFull information is available only for England and Wales in 1976. A survey then showed that 313 districts884W operated concessionary fares schemes for pensioners.
Local authorities are now being asked to bring the information up to date.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his latest estimate of the average level of assistance given by local authorities in the United Kingdom for retirement pensioners under the concessionary bus fare schemes.
§ Mr. HoramTotal expenditure by local authorities in Great Britain on concessionary bus fare schemes for the elderly, blind and disabled in 1977–78 was about £115 million—at November 1977 prices. Figures relating to schemes for the elderly alone are not available. This overall expenditure works out at about £12 per head of the population of pensionable age.
Local authorities are not responsible for concesionary fares in Northern Ireland.
§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate to costs of introducing a nationally-financed scheme to provide concessionary fares for retirement pensioners and to disabled in 1978.
§ Mr. HoramThe cost of providing a half-fare concession for all pensioners and handicapped people in England and Wales, whilst retaining the existing more generous concessions, would be about £140 million—at November 1977 prices.