HC Deb 14 February 1969 vol 777 cc394-5W
Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will discuss with the Association of British Travel Agents the application of its code of conduct to member firms in relation to the holiday protection insurance scheme, details of which are in his possession, in the light of recent developments in the travel trade.

Mr. William Rodgers

No. It is for the Association and its members to determine their attitude towards a private commercial insurance scheme of the kind referred to.

Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will arrange further discussions with the Association of British Travel Agents about the workings of Operation Stabilizer; and to what extent the Association's scheme for giving help to holidaymakers covers repayment of moneys lost through liquidations in the travel trade.

Mr. William Rodgers

The Association is continuing to keep me informed about the workings of Operation Stabilizer, and I doubt whether further discussions are necessary at this stage. The purpose of the Association's Common Fund is to ensure that members of the public who have booked with a member of the Association get their holiday, or are offered a suitable alternative, in the event of the member going into liquidation; it is not designed to cover the repayment of money.

Mr. Milne

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in pursuance of the undertakings given to report on such matters, he will make a statement on the action taken in accordance with Operation Stabilizer, following the voluntary liquidation of Wright's Holidays Limited of Birmingham.

Mr. William Rodgers

Following the announcement of the intended voluntary liquidation of Wright's Holidays Limited of Birmingham, the Association of British Travel Agents immediately acted on the provisions of its Common Fund and assumed responsibility for all holidays booked with the firm on which a deposit had been paid. As a result, the Association has been able to announce that no member of the public has been left stranded, and all clients who have booked with Wright's Holidays will be offered alternative holidays under arrangements being made by A.B.T.A.