§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name of the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they contemplate taking any action to prevent a repetition of the chaotic conditions that many British holiday makers had to endure this Summer owing to the irresponsibility, financial and otherwise, of some travel agencies.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)My Lords, my right honourable friend the President of the Board of Trade is studying this matter. His conclusions will be made known as soon as possible.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. But is the noble Lord aware that a great many people in this country are extremely worried about 91 this question? It is true that we have the Travel Association; but all agents do not have to belong to the Association. Does the noble Lord think it will be possible for Her Majesty's Government to devise some scheme to ensure that all travel agents must have some proof of their financial standing?
§ LORD RHODESMy Lords, if the noble Lord was in the House on November 12 when I was replying to a debate on the Consumer Council, I think he would have no doubt as to where I stand in the matter. It is a very important matter which affects a large number of people, considering that the number who are going abroad is now approaching 4½ million a year. But it is not an easy problem, because registration of all applicants with no known past record of fraud or insolvency would lull the public into a false sense of security. On the other hand, selective registration, with tests sufficiently stringent to eliminate, or virtually to eliminate, the possibility of future insolvencies, might well eliminate a larger number of existing tour operators than most people would think right.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDI thank the noble Lord.