HC Deb 19 June 1978 vol 952 cc15-6
9. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Trade what discussions he has had with the British Tourist Authority on the activities of bureaux de change.

Mr. Meacher

None, Sir.

Mr. Rost

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the chairman of the British Tourist Authority shares my concern that some bureaux de change are not meeting the conditions under which they have been granted a licence by the Bank of England, and that, although representations have been made to the Governor of the Bank of England, the abuses are in some instances continuing? As he has responsibility for tourism, does he feel that he should investigate these matters and have discussions with his colleagues at the Treasury or at the Department of Prices and Consumer Protection to ascertain what can be done to ensure that the tourist is not abused?

Mr. Meacher

I am concerned about the issue. The hon. Gentleman is right—a letter was sent by the chairman of the BTA to the Bank of England, which has responsibility in this sector. I can only report that it undertook to carry out an on-the-spot survey of one-third of the bureaux in the London area. It did not find any adverse evidence. If the hon. Gentleman has such evidence, I can only suggest that he sends a further letter direct to the Bank of England or to the BTA and sends a copy to my Department.

Mr. Freud

If it is the hon. Gentleman's ambition not to provoke the ill will of tourists, will he also investigate so-called duty-free shops that are equally infuriating to those who think that such shops are what they pretend to be?

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Hugh Dykes, No. 10.

Mr. Freud

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Would it not be possible to have an answer to my supplementary question?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Isle of Ely (Mr. Freud) will receive an answer if he relates his supplementary question to the Question on the Order Paper. However, he asked about duty- free shops when the Question was about bureaux de change.