§ Mr. TimmsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has had with transport operators about transport concessions for unemployed people on the New Deal programme,(a) in London and (b) across the UK. [40030]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithWe have had successful discussions with transport operators throughout the country to negotiate transport concessions for young unemployed people taking part in the New Deal. From 24 May 1998 the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) members will offer New Deal participants 50 per cent. reductions. The concessions will be available to New Deal participants who will be issued with a New Deal ID card. London Transport have also agreed to offer the reduction. New Deal participants will be entitled to a 50 per cent. discount on most standard tickets and Travelcards on London Underground and London Buses. In addition 55 agreements with bus and coach companies up and down the country, have been signed, resulting in discounts of between 50 per cent. and 80 per cent.