§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes have taken place in the rules governing school transport since February 1974; what changes are contemplated between now and September 1979; and if she will make a statement.
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§ Miss Margaret JacksonNo changes in the statutory arrangements have been made since 1948, and none is likely to be made in the immediate future.
As the law now stands there are no statutory restrictions on the power of a local education authority to provide or assist with the cost of home to school transport, but the duty to provide free transport extends only to children who attend the nearest suitable school and who live further from it than the statutory walking distances. It has not so far been possible to agree alternative arrangements with the interested parties, but other schemes are currently being examined.