asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she plans to make a statement on school transport.

My right hon. Friend is considering with the local authority associations what changes might be made in the present unsatisfactory arrangements for school transport.

Does the Minister realise that many parents living within the statutory limits, or just within them, are facing grave problems as transport costs increase? Is she aware that parents in rural areas are especially affected? Does she accept that there has been too long a delay? When will she be prepared to devise a satisfactory scheme?

I am aware of the problems facing parents in these areas and I am anxious to see them resolved. The local authorities see administrative difficulties in any new scheme for change. At present we are exploring with them to see how they might most easily be resolved.