§ 32. Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received from Roman Catholic organisations and individuals about school transport.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneRepresentations against the transport proposals in the Education (No. 2) Bill have been made by the Catholic Education Council and over 1,000 individuals who have written as members of the Roman Catholic Church.
§ 34. Mr. David Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will seek to ensure that suitable adjustments are made in the rate support grant settlement to take into account the extra cost of school travel in rural counties.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneAccount is taken of the cost of school transport—as of other local authority services—in the calculation and distribution of rate support grant. The settlement for 1980–81 announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on 16 November halted the drift in grant from the shire counties which has taken place over recent years.
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§ 43. Mr. Strangasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations he has had with regard to changes he proposes in the statutory requirement on local education authorities to provide free school transport to children who live beyond walking distance to school.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe proposals have been discussed with representatives of the local authority associations, teachers' organisations, the churches and the TUC.