HC Deb 13 October 1975 vol 897 cc599-600W
Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if she will make a further statement, following her discussions with the London Tourist Board, on measures to protect visitors to London who are charged excessive prices by street traders for ice cream and soft drinks.

Mr. Alan Williams,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 7th August 1975; Vol. 897, c. 410], gave the following information:

I discussed this problem with the London Tourist Board at the end of June. Following this meeting, the board has begun discussions with the various authorities responsible for licensing street traders in London, with the aim of increasing the number of legitimate traders operating at strategic points near tourist attractions, and charging reasonable prices. The board is also arranging for its tourist information literature to carry prominent advice to tourists to check and compare prices when they buy such things as ices, soft drinks and souvenirs. The board and the British Tourist Authority, which conduct regular surveys to monitor the impressions of visitors to London, are canvassing views of visitors to see how far they themselves are generally satisfied with the service they have obtained when buying items of this kind.

I myself have urged the licensing authorities to encourage the street traders whom they license to display prominent price lists. I believe that this will give visitors a clearer idea of fair prices and make it harder for the minority of traders who charge excessive prices to obtain trade.