asked the Secretary of State for Transport if, in the light of the raising of the school leaving age over a period of years, he will initiate discussions with the National Bus Company and with British Railways to raise the age at which they charge full fares for children from 14 years to 16 years of age for journeys to and from school.

This is a matter for the commercial judgment of individual bus and rail operators, and I am sure they are aware of the issues involved.