Clause 3 - Short title, interpretation and extent
Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill [Lords]
5:45 pm
Mr John Spellar (Minister of State (Transport), Department for Transport; Warley, Labour)
My understanding is that they will be met from existing budgets. Indeed, I understand that Scotland is debating the balance of funding between different items on several such issues. As for Wales, we expect equalisation for eligibility for travel concessions to start at the same time as in England—that is in April 2003. Our officials are also talking with representatives from the National Assembly for Wales and are keeping in touch on a regular basis to ensure that there is a degree of common practice.
As to the extent of the concession in Wales, I am not entirely sure what stage the Assembly has reached, but I am more than happy to write to the hon. Gentleman to clarify the matter.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.