§ 1. Mr. Milneasked the President of the Board of Trade what talks have taken place between his Department and the Association of British Travel Agents arising from the Report of the Walsh Committee, a copy of which is in his possession; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody)None, Sir, I understand that the association is considering the implementation of the committee's recommendations.
§ Mr. MilneIs my hon. Friend aware that in an industry with which the Board of Trade has so much contact, and with which it has had so many negotiations over the past few years, nothing has been done about this latest report? Is my hon. Friend also aware that, arising from this report, there is a growing need for some sort of consumer protection organisation, and that a study of the Walsh Report, which in itself is an excellent report, would repay the Department a great deal in the months ahead?
§ Mrs. DunwoodyI am happy to agree with my hon. Friend that the Walsh Report is a very interesting document. However, the A.B.T.A. itself wants to discuss the implications. It is aware of some of the existing difficulties. It is precisely because it is aware of its shortcomings in some fields that it is urgently considering the report with a view to putting as much of it as possible into operation.