§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with religious organisations about the implications for church schools of new funding arrangements for school transport of pupils over the age of 16 years. [4996]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThere have been no changes to the national funding arrangements for post-16 transport. My officials have not, therefore, had discussions with religious organisations. I understand that Northumberland LEA is considering changes to the support that it provides for transport locally and is consulting on these changes. It is for each LEA to determine the level of support that it makes in relation to local needs, and to have regard to parents' religious preferences.
§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has issued to education authorities and to learning and skills councils on future funding arrangements for transport to school for pupils aged over 16 years; how many education authorities propose to discontinue free transport on post-16 pupils; and if she will make a statement. [4997]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThere have been no changes to the national funding arrangements for post-16 transport and no guidance has been issued. We do not have figures on the numbers of LEAs who propose to discontinue the provision of free transport for post-16 pupils. We are awaiting the outcome of a study into post-16 transport arrangements in September 2001 and will consider any recommendations and issue our response thereafter.