WES TM NSTER HAUL
Page 7
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FOR a while it seemed that it would he the mixture as before, that those many MPs worried about the inconsistencies in school transport, the distances some youngsters have to walk and the high fares others have to pay would have to contain their souls in patience yet again.
Margaret Jackson, Education Under Secretary. who, for the umpteenth time, stood up in the Commons to answer questions about the Government's intentions, came out with the all-too-familiar: "My Right Honourable Friend will publish fresh proposals as soon as possible."
It was an answer which. contrary to all modern educational theories, she must have learned by rote. For she has come out with it month after frustrating month — usually excusing herself and her department by adding that consultations with the interested parties were proving difficult. But there was one MP who believed that answers learned parrot-fashion do not necessarily mean a mind closed to interpretation.
Up popped a newcomer to the school transport game, Tory Neil Marten, who asked Miss Jackson to be more explicit.
And, wonder of wonders, she came out with: "I hope to lay these proposals before the House before the summer recess."
Before the summer recess! That means in the next few weeks! Here was progress indeed . . unless those first three words turned out to be an escape clause.
No wonder Labour man Roderick MacFarquhar, one of Miss Jackson's most persistent questioners, was on his feet at once to welcome the news.
But he was not so overjoyed that he lost sight of one possible snag — that parents who do not have to pay may. have to do so under a new system.
Well, you can't have everything in this life. and here he got scant comfort.
Using words which would have sent her to the bottom of a class devoted to good, simple Friglish, Miss Jackson explained: "We are anxious to find a low-cost solution which minimises the loss of benefit to those who are getting free transport at present." At least she didn't say "at this moment in time"!
But she did add, ominously: "We hope that those at present enjoying free transport for their children will recognise the problems faced by others."
In other words, don't be surprised if you have to pay. Unless, of course, compassionate local authorities are prepared to do the decent thing and cough up.
But then, as she pointed out, such matters are not her concern. She was "afraid" that reduced fares were dealt with by the Transport Minister.