HC Deb 20 March 1987 vol 112 cc641-2W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he plans to take any further steps to issue guidance to British holidaymakers in Europe during the summer of 1987 about the high sales techniques of timeshare operators.

Mr. Howard

The Government's consumer advice leaflet continues to be freely available at many information centres (including some airports). Larger supplies may be obtained direct from my Department. The leaflet has had considerable coverage in the media. I expect this to continue as my Department maintains contact with travel and consumer correspondents.

Mr. Michael Cocks

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many complaints he has received about the selling methods employed by timeshare operators;

(2) how many representatives he has received calling for greater protection for consumers against the selling practices of timeshare operators.

Mr. Howard

My Department has received over 40 written complaints and representations about the selling methods employed by timeshare developers and a substantial number of complaints by telephone.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretry of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of companies engaged in selling timeshare properties.

Mr. Howard

I met representatives of some major timeshare developers on 18 March.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate how many companies in the United Kingdom are engaged in the timeshare business within the United Kingdom; and what information he has about the situation elsewhere in Europe.

Mr. Howard

The three major timeshare trade associations have some 20 United Kingdom-based developers among their membership. It is not possible to give accurate information about the number of United Kingdom developers outside these trade associations.

About 30 European-based developers belong to the United Kingdom trade associations and several United Kingdom companies are undertaking developments in Europe. I have no information about other locally based developers in Europe.

Forward to