§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report those local education 583W authorities in Scotland which exercise their discretion under section 51(1) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and provide free school transport for school pupils who live within the statutory walking distance from school, together with the walking distance used to determine the right to a free lift in each case.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information taken from the annual survey of school transport undertaken in September 1986 is as follows:—
Authority and Criteria used
Fife and Lothian
More than 2 miles for all pupils.
Central
- 1 mile—under 8 years.
- 2 miles—8 years and over.
Strathclyde
- More than 1 mile—primary.
- More than 2 miles—secondary.
In addition each authority exercises its discretion by providing free transport within the statutory walking distance in special circumstances eg. safety or medical reasons.