§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the provision of a network of independent advice and law centres throughout Scotland; and what response he has made to the aims of the Advice 2000 initiative launched by the Advice Services Alliance.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 19 April 1994]: I recognise the good work carried out by existing advice and law centres in Scotland. It is local authorities which are best placed to decide whether there is an unmet need for advice in particular areas. Where there is urban deprivation, however, start-up funding can be provided through the urban programme.
656WOn the question of financial assistance, in advance of, and without prejudice to, the Department of Transport's review, my right hon. Friend has agreed to a request from Strathclyde regional council for a capping disregard for additional current expenditure in 1994–95 in respect of additional costs to the council of school transport in dropping the three for two concession on dedicated school transport and requiring the fitting of seat belts on all contract minibuses.
Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have any immediate plans to meet representatives of Scottish education authorities to discuss safety in school transport. We will, however, consider whether any such meeting might be appropriate in the light of the conclusions of the Department of Transport review.