§ 11. Mr. Donald AndersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on his announcement of the half-price concessionary bus fares scheme. [72464]
§ Mr. HainThe Government's commitment to introduce a statutory minimum standard travel concessions scheme for pensioners on buses has been very warmly welcomed throughout Wales. I am delighted to have been able to ensure that from April all unitary authorities in Wales will be in a position voluntarily to meet the proposed minimum, which is a maximum of £5 for a bus pass, and a discount of at least 50 per cent. on fares. I am keen to go further, and in consultation with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and bus operators will be drawing up plans to move to free concessionary travel for pensioner 779W on buses over the next two to three years. I intend to make this concession available to visiting as well as resident pensioners.
Following the transfer of functions, the National Assembly for Wales will be responsible for overseeing the administration of concessionary fares schemes by local authorities in Wales.