§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999,Official Report, column 290, concerning the London concessionary fares scheme, if he will table amendments in the House of Lords to extend the reserve scheme to include surface rail services. [85445]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Greater London Authority Bill will provide adequate powers for London local authorities to deal satisfactorily with the provision of concessions on London rail services. We have always made clear that our general aim for the Greater London Authority Bill is to transfer existing responsibilities to the Mayor, rather than attempt major revisions of legislation affecting London going beyond the policies outlined in the White Paper. The creation of a new statutory reserve scheme including surface rail would not be compatible with that aim.