§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many countries there are in Europe where travel agents and tour operators require a licence issued by central Government; whether this applies to travel agencies for schoolchildren; and if he will consider introducing a licence system for the United Kingdom.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimAn OECD survey carried out in 1979 showed that a number of European countries, including the United Kingdom, had some form of licensing system but it did not make clear whether these systems applied to all travel agents and tour operators or how they affected travel agencies for schoolchildren. In the United Kingdom the licensing system provided for by the Civil Aviation Act 1971 applies to air travel organisers and is administered by the Civil Aviation Authority, On the evidence available I see no need for wider licensing requirements.