§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all the information he has for each European Economic Community member country relating to travel concessions for pensioners.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe latest information available is based on information provided by the Governments of the countries concerned in 1977.
France
When operators voluntarily give fare concessions to certain classes of passenger, they are permitted to increase their general fares to provide cross-subsidisation.Federal Republic of Germany
The determination of tariffs is generally the responsibility of the transport undertakings, subject to the approval of the appropriate authorities. No special arrangements for the elderly appear to be required by the authorities.Greece
Although the Minister of Transport has legal powers to reduce fares for some categories of people by up to 50 per cent., there do not seem to be any special arrangements for the elderly.Ireland
Free travel is given on CIE services at state expense to people who are 67 years old or more.Netherlands
People who are 65 years old and over may travel at half fare on showing a special pass. The cost is met by a transfer to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works budget from that of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Recreational and Social Work of an appropriate proportion of the total operators' losses that are covered in full by the former.