Written question asked by Huw Edwards (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 November 2001. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 November 2001 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, If he will meet the First Secretary of the National Assembly to discuss the legal obligations placed on local authorities relating to home to school transport. - Including ref to 30 October 2001, 373 c243-50WH. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet the First Secretary of the National Assembly to discuss the legal obligations placed on local authorities relating to home-to-school transport. [12492] Mr. Touhig: I have written to the Assembly Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning on this matter, with particular reference to the issues raised by my hon. Friend in the debate on Transport to School, on 30 October 2001, Official Report, columns 243-50WH. Local education authorities (LEAs) have a statutory duty to decide how best to meet their home to school transport obligations. LEAs are obliged to provide free transport to the nearest school for pupils under eight-years-old who live more than two miles from the school, and for pupils above the age of eight who live more than three miles from the school.

Secondary information