HL Deb 19 July 1990 vol 521 cc1004-5

3.4 p.m.

Baroness Burton of Coventry asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will amplify their answer of 28th June (HL Deb. col. 1721) with particular reference to the Commission threeyear plan and the EC Directive on package travel.

The Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, Department of Employment (Lord Strathclyde)

My Lords, the answer given on 28th June listed those items dealt with at the 13th June Consumer Council. As indicated, the Commission presented its threeyear plan to the council. However, there was no prior discussion of the plan by member states, nor was the plan debated at the 13th June council, although EC Ministers were able to offer comments on it. The council acted by unanimity to adopt the text of the package travel directive on which EC Ministers reached a common position in December last year with two minor amendments.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, that repeats the answer I received some time ago. As the Government share in the disappointment of the consumer organisations that this threeyear plan lacks specific proposals, will the Government press for action to promote consumer integration in Community policies? As regards the package travel directive, can the Minister say how swiftly the Government hope to be able to implement that so that holidaymakers may benefit at the earliest opportunity?

Lord Strathclyde

My Lords, I hope that I can give the noble Baroness some comfort as regards the first part of her question. The Government have lost no opportunity to press for progress in this area of concern. They will continue to raise the subject of consumer integration whenever appropriate. Concerning the package travel directive, we shall be taking very seriously the date laid down in the directive of 31st December 1992.

Lord Williams of Elvel

My Lords, can the noble Lord tell the House to what extent, in the Government's view, the members of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) are aware of the opportunities available to them to expand their businesses as a result of the package travel directive? We understand that they are being a little slow in this matter. What measures are the Government proposing to ensure that they are so aware?

Lord Strathclyde

My Lords, it is up to ABTA and its members to decide whether or not they want to expand in the European Community.

Baroness Burton of Coventry

My Lords, is the Minister aware that it is very pleasant to see him back at the Dispatch Box answering questions on this particular matter? Will he let me have any dates for future meetings of the Council of Ministers?

Lord Strathclyde

My Lords, I am not sure what to say in reply to the noble Baroness's comments. With reference to the dates of future meetings of the Consumer Affairs Council, there is a provisional date for 22nd October of this year.