Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 13 May 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 May 1999. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 May 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what representations he has received concerning improvements to the London concessionary fares scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning improvements to the London concessionary fares scheme; and if he will make a statement. [84545] Ms Glenda Jackson: The Government have received representations from Members of Parliament, the Association of London Government, the Transport Committee for London, organisations representing Freedom Pass Holders and some individual Freedom Pass Holders. I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 4 May 1999, Official Report, column 771, in which I explained that we have given careful consideration to a number of proposals for improving the scheme. We will be introducing amendments in the Lords which will update the scheme and help maintain its stability. For the statutory reserve scheme the start and finish times will be brought up to date and the arrangements for determining costs will be clarified. We also plan to give the boroughs powers to set up a statutory joint committee dealing with concessionary fares, which will have the option of taking decisions on the basis of qualified majority voting.

Secondary information