§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will bring forward proposals to amend section 93(7)(a) of the Transport Act 1985 to equalise the age at which concessionary travel arrangements are applied to men and women.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have no plans to change the present arrangements which link eligibility for travel concessions for elderly people to state pensionable age.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultations he has initiated with representatives of London boroughs, or with their representative bodies, concerning the implementation of his decisions, plans and proposals for the retention and funding of the all-London senior citizens travel card, as announced in his written answer of 22 July,Official Report, column 333–36.
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§ Mr. McLoughlinThe consultation paper "A Bus Strategy for London" was sent to every London borough and the City of London, the London Boroughs Association, the Association of London Authorities and the London Committee on Accessible Transport—the borough's joint co-ordinating body for concessionary travel arrangements. That paper, and my right hon. and learned Friend's subsequent statement, made it clear that we intend to safeguard the future of the London-wide scheme, while retaining the boroughs' right to decide which concessions they wish to fund. It was clear from the boroughs' responses that they, too, recognise the importance of maintaining a concessionary travel scheme in London. Full details of our proposed arrangements for concessionary travel will not be finalised until closer to the point at which a Bill is introduced. In the meantime, we will continue discussions with interested parties, including the boroughs' representatives, who can offer constructive advice about concessionary travel.