§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will establish a nationwide scheme of assistance for retirement pensioners to travel at concessionary rates of 75 per cent. or 66 per cent. on road and rail transport in off-peak hours;
(2) whether he will establish a nationwide scheme of assistance for retirement pensioners to travel free on road and rail transport at off-peak hours.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 21 January 1991]: We have no plans to change the present arrangements. Local authorities already have adequate powers to provide travel concessions in their areas and there are schemes for free or cheap travel on local public transport in all areas of Scotland. Local authorities may, if they choose, act jointly with other local authorities to establish a scheme which would operate throughout their areas. British Rail and the main long distance coach operators also have their own travel concession arrangements.