Clause 14
Education and Inspections Bill
Public Bill Committees, 25 April 2006, 4:00 pm
Jacqui Smith (Minister of State (Schools and 14-19 Learners), Department for Education and Skills; Redditch, Labour)
The provisions that the hon. Gentleman refers to relate to the suggested pathfinder proposals, under which local authorities will be able to develop better school transport for everyone within their area. Although that is an important development, it is not a fundamental change in the charging regime. In fact, the balance is likely to be as I suggested. Although I am sympathetic to the implications for individual parents—and they should of course be borne in mind when making decisions about school closures, particularly of rural primary schools—I am not convinced that the amendment would achieve the objectives that the hon. Gentleman set out. Indeed, it could potentially have a perverse effect on the decision. I therefore hope that he will not press the amendment.