§ 8. Mr. Croninasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take further steps to regulate package tours to obtain higher standards of safety and comfort for the holiday-makers concerned.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo, Sir. I do not think those factors require additional legislative measures.
§ Mr. CroninWhile the majority of package tours are organised efficiently, is there not a small minority in which the holiday-makers suffer disappointment, discomfort and inconvenience and receive poor value for money? Should not the hon. Gentleman take steps to protect their interests?
§ Mr. GrantThe hon. Gentleman is quite right in saying that a small minority fall below the standards one expects. But the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) Regulations, 1972, just intro- 1052 duced, will enable civil aviation to safeguard the public by requiring the organisers to be fit and proper persons and to have adequate resources and arrangements.
§ Mr. McCrindleThe safety record of the British charter companies and tour operators is second to none.
§ Mr. Russell KerrRubbish.
§ Mr. McCrindleConcerning comfort, is not the considerable competition prevailing in the industry today a far better guarantee to the consumer than any intervention from the Department?
§ Mr. MasonI recognise that the travel trade is covered now by the Trade Descriptions Act, and that the Association of British Travel Agents has set up a safety fund and arbitration body with a view to covering its mistakes, but is the hon. Gentleman aware that if there is any major failure this season and numerous holiday-makers are disappointed, great pressure will be brought to bear on the Government to introduce legislation to register all travel trade operators with a view to withdrawing their licences, if necessary?
§ Mr. GrantYes, I understand that entirely. But I welcome the A.B.T.A. initiative. It would be wise to see how it works out.