Concessionary Bus Travel Bill [Lords]

Indeed it would. I hope that after some reflection, the Minister will see the intent, significance and advantage of new clause 3. I have indicated that one of the advantages of the new clause would be to introduce some transparency and accountability. As my hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) said on Second Reading:"““There is no point in giving our pensioners free bus travel if they just have to pay the bills through their council tax instead.””—[Official Report, 14 May 2007; Vol. 460, c. 414.]" The review, to be reported to Parliament, would allow local authorities to demonstrate to what degree the Government were providing free bus travel, and to what degree the Government were clobbering them to provide it.