§ Mr. Mark Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many applications which were repayable by the Tour Operators' Study Group Trust Ltd. Fund were outstanding on 1 June; and what is the average length of time taken in the settlement of such claims.
§ Mr. SproatThe administration of bonds held by the Tour Operators' Study Group Trust Fund Limited is a matter for that body and my Department does not hold the information requested. Nevertheless, I understand from TOSG that there are currently some 28,000 claims outstanding. Some 30 people are employed on examination duties but the resolution of individual claims is apparently proving more difficult than expected. I am told that a typical claim has been taking some two to three months to be settled but it is hoped that this period will be reduced.