§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will commission a comparative study of the concessionary travel scheme in operation in the Greater London area and those currently in operation by regional authorities in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonNo. Regional and islands councils have discretionary powers under section 93 of the Transport Act 1985 which allow any local480W authority, or any two or more local authorities acting jointly, to establish a concessionary travel scheme for eligible categories of person. After local government reform the new councils will retain these powers and the Strathclyde passenger transport authority will have the power to establish a scheme for its area. Decisions on the extent and administration of such schemes are entirely for the local authorities concerned to consider, taking account of local needs and circumstances, and the Government do not propose to change these arrangements. Concessionary travel arrangements in London are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.