Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [HL]

My Lords, we have heard from the Minister. No local authority is seeking an indemnity against other costs which arise. We seek simply to pay the bus fares of concessionary fare passengers in the future. There are ways out of that. A national fare could be set, as the National Assembly for Wales has done. Each local authority issues the bus passes, but they issue against a national fare. We have put down this amendment because the Government havenot come forward with satisfactory funding arrangements. I have sat upstairs in the Public Bill Office trying to find ways to amend this legislation. We have used our best endeavours and have put down something which tells the Government that thisis unfinished work. As I said previously, the Government have legislated for the ends without legislating properly for the means of delivery. In the circumstances, I believe that the amendment should be in the Bill so that when it goes to another place it will remain a thorn in the Government’s side and will constantly remind them that they havenot properly finished the business. Therefore, the amendment should stand, so that the Commons has time for other thoughts. I am sure that the concessionary fares working group is working hard and that discussions are going on with the Treasury. We want action, which is why I wish to test the opinion of the House. On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 6) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 147; Not-Contents, 153. Clause 4 [The national concession: journeys beginning on London bus network]: [Amendment No. 7 not moved.] Clause 7 [Requirements as to uniformity]: [Amendment No. 8 not moved.] Schedule 2 [Minor and consequential amendments]: [Amendment No. 9 not moved.] An amendment (privilege) made.