§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the introduction of concessionary bus fares for women on reaching retirement age at 60 years.
§ Mr. NeedhamTen such representations have been received since 1986.
The qualifying age for concessionary half-fare travel by bus and rail in Northern Ireland is 65 years for men and women. The Department of the Environment for 558W Northern Ireland is precluded by the provision of the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976 from making a distinction on age grounds between men and women.