§ 19. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection how many representations she has received this year on alleged imperfections in package tours abroad; and what action she proposes to take in the consumer's interest.
§ Mr. John FraserA total of six complaints about package tours abroad have been received in my Department this year. In each case the complainant was referred to his local trading standards authority so that it might investigate whether there had been an offence against the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. However, the majority of such complaints are likely to be directed not to my Department but to other bodies such as local authorities, the Association of British Travel Agents, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Trade.
§ Mr. McCrindleIn view of all those other bodies who are responsible rather than the Minister, may I direct the hon. Gentleman's attention, without being in the least alarmist, to reports about which he must have heard concerning possible holiday over-booking this year, most particularly affecting the Greek islands? While I pay tribute to the great efforts of the travel trade, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman thinks it would be helpful if he were to see some of the Greek Tourist Office representatives in London to discover whether the incidents of last year can be prevented this year?
§ Mr. FraserI hope the hon. Member will accept that it would be unwise to comment on something of which I have not yet had notice. If he would like to give me information on these matters about which he is concerned, I shall have a look at them.