§ Mr. Heddleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider issuing a direction to all local authorities to make full use of section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 to provide concessionary or free bus travel to all those who are registered as mentally handicapped.
§ Sir George YoungBy virtue of local authority circular 13/74 of 11 February 1974, local social services authorities already have powers to provide free or subsidised travel to mentally handicapped people registered under section 29. My right hon. Friend has no present intention of converting this power into a duty.