HC Deb 21 November 1978 vol 958 cc526-7W
Mr. Gerry Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to draw attention to the failure of some local authorities to use the Government grants available to them to provide cut-price bus fares for the disabled; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Horam

I and my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for the disabled take every opportunity to refer to this matter in speaking to local authorities. Most recently I drew the attention of the Association of District Councils to our circular on concessionary fares, with its specific reference to provision of appropriate schemes for the disabled. Under the new Transport Act, county council public transport plans must give an account of concessionary fares schemes and what is being done to improve them. The first plans are now being prepared and will be published before the end of March 1979.