§ Mr. Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Transport, further to the answer from the Prime Minister, Official Report, 22 March, c. 383–86, on what basis and assumptions the minimum additional annual cost to public expenditure of £100 million for a national scheme of travel concessions was determined.
§ Mr. David HowellPresent schemes are estimated to be costing £200 million. The figure of £100 million quoted by my right hon. Friends represents the additional cost of providing half fare concessions for all elderly and disabled people travelling by bus outside the peak period, on the assumption that existing schemes, some of which allow free travel, including in peak hours, continue to operate as at present. It includes an allowance for the additional traffic generated by such a concession.