HC Deb 30 April 1964 vol 694 cc570-1
13. Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what action he proposes to take in regard to the Report on Travel Agents recently issued by the Consumer Council.

Mr. du Cann

My right hon. Friend will continue to keep under review the question whether it would be desirable and practicable to introduce some form of regulation of travel agents' activities.

Mr. Milne

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the control of entry into the travel trade is not very satisfactory and that it is vital for the consumer that holidays should not be spoiled because of bad management on the part of travel agents? Since we have had a good and comprehensive Report from the Consumer Council on this subject and since this is indeed something in the realm of consumer protection, should not the Board of Trade be looking into this matter at the earliest possible moment?

Mr. du Cann

This is certainly an important subject. About a year ago a sub-committee of the British Travel and Holidays Association considered the problems of travel agencies, but it concluded that statutory control was unnecessary. None the less, we shall keep in touch with the B.T.H.A. on the matter. I understand that the Consumer Council made a general recommendation but not a substantial and deeply considered report.

Mrs. Slater

Does not the Minister of State realise that this is now becoming a tremendously big business which is attracting some people who do not give the service which they advertise? Although the Consumer Council may have made only a general recommendation, does not the hon. Gentleman agree that the Council thought the subject sufficiently important to discuss and that the Board of Trade should at least be more concerned with this problem than it apparently is?

Mr. du Cann

It would be quite wrong to suggest that the Board of Trade either has no concern or is being careless in this matter. Quite the reverse. We are paying close attention to the subject, in co-operation with the British Travel and Holidays Association. As the hon. Lady knows, the B.T.H.A. has certain powers and a very wide membership. It has reported that there is no case for statutory control in this matter.