To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the practice of local education authorities in interpreting the statutory walking distance for school transport in the rural areas of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

I have no reason to believe that LEAs are not properly observing the statutory provisions in the Education Act 1944 relating to walking distances in determining eligibility for transport from home to the nearest appropriate school for attendance. It is for the LEAs themselves to determine what constitutes an appropriate school.