HC Deb 05 May 1999 vol 330 cc423-4W
19. Mr. Bradshaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in Wales who will benefit from the introduction of the concessionary half fare for bus travel. [82106]

26. Mr. Dobbin

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in Wales who will benefit from the introduction of the concessionary half fare for bus travel. [82114]

Mr. Hain

There are some 580,000 people over the retirement age in Wales. We are keen for them all to have access to concessionary fares schemes which provide at least half-price travel for a bus pass costing no more than £5, and we have ensured that all local authorities are now in a position to operate schemes which meet this minimum standard.

Furthermore, we are working with local authorities and bus operators to prepare the way for the introduction of free bus travel for pensioners over the next two to three years.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.