§ Mr. Conwayasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received advocating lowering the minimum distance for mandatory school transport in rural areas.
§ Mr. DunnSection 55(1) of the Education Act 1944 places LEAs under a duty to provide free school transport where they consider it necessary. It does not specify a minimum qualifying distance but many LEAs adopt the walking distance specified in section 39 of the Act relating to the enforcement of school attendance. My right hon. Friend regularly receives representations about school transport including requests that he introduce amending legislation. The Government have no plans at present to do this.