§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which coach companies have agreed to participate in the national concessionary coach travel scheme for pensioners. [31713]
§ Ms KeebleAs my hon. Friend will know from my written answer of 14 November 2001,Official Report, column 725W, my Department is currently discussing with representatives of the coach industry implementation of the proposal that concessionary fares for older and disabled passengers should be offered on scheduled long distance coach services in return for those services becoming eligible for fuel duty rebate.
We aim to complete these discussions as soon as possible with the intention, as previously announced, of bringing forward regulations during 2002–03 to implement this proposal. Until details are finalized,I would not expect any company to confirm participation in these new arrangements. However, my expectation is that the scheme will involve the majority of, if not all, relevant services.