HC Deb 29 February 1980 vol 979 cc745-6W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how the subsidy on school transport operates.

Dr. Boyson: Local education authorities' net expenditure on school transport forms part of "relevant expenditure", that is to say expenditure by a local authority which, in aggregate, attracts rate support grant from the Exchequer. For 1980–81, Exchequer support is maintained at the 1979–80 level of 61 per cent. of relevant expenditure.

Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, under the Education (No. 2) Bill, it will be permissible for an education authority to discriminate in favour of children attending schools for the physically and mentally handicapped when establishing charges for school transport.

Dr. Boyson

Yes. Clause 23(3)(b) and, for Scotland, clause 25(3)(b) require an authority to remit the whole or part of any charge that would otherwise be made if, having regard to the particular circumstances of any pupil or class or description of pupils, they consider it appropriate to do so.