Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 October 2003. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 October 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to accept the proposals outlined in the Transport (Concessionary Fares) Bill introduced by the honourable Member for Gateshead East and Washington West on 16th September; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to accept the proposals outlined in the Transport (Concessionary Fares) Bill introduced by the right hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Joyce Quin) on 16 September; and if he will make a statement. [131498] Mr. McNulty: We have ensured that older people aged 60 and over and disabled people are entitled to a free bus pass allowing half-fare travel on local buses, as a minimum. Local authorities may already run more generous schemes, such as free travel and cross boundary concessionary travel, if they wish. We have also introduced a half-fare for older people (aged 60 and over) and disabled people on many long distance scheduled coach services, in return for the operators of those services receiving grant from the Department for Transport.

Secondary information