HC Deb 26 October 1971 vol 823 cc317-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in view of the volume of complaints against tour operators in 1970 and 1971, if he will consider seeking to amend the Trade Descriptions Act to make it easier to bring prosecutions against tour operators who use misleading advertising to acquire customers, and who use a non-answering technique to avoid dealing with complainants; and if he will make a statement on this matter.

Mr. Ridley

No. The scope of the Act is limited to misrepresentations, and not to other forms of misbehaviour. It already enables the prosecution of any tour operator who knowingly or recklessly makes a materially false statement about the services, accommodation or facilities which he offers.