§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection, in view of the appearance of advertisements involving hotels in Northern Cyprus of which the ownership is disputed and sub judice, whether he is satisfied that those who have contracted to take holidays in those hotels are adequately protected in the event of a decision in the courts favourable to the previous owners of these hotels.
§ Mr. John FraserI cannot, without further information, comment on any particular case. However, in general, if a prospective holidaymaker makes a contract direct with a hotel which subsequently changes ownership, and the contractual liability is not assumed by the new owners, the position under English law is that the holidaymaker would not be able to obtain redress other than by suing the former owners for breach of contract. If on the other hand the contract were made with a travel agent or other intermediary the position may be different, and in that event my hon. Friend may wish to draw the situation to the attention of the Association of British Travel Agents.