§ Mr. Sean HughesTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether any estimate is available to him of the amount which holiday travel companies will gain as a result of movements in the exchange rate of the pound sterling in recent months;
(2) if he will seek powers to compel holiday travel companies to refund to customers any excess profit arising from the movement in the exchange rate of the pound sterling in recent months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherNo estimates are available of the benefits to the travel industry of recent favourable movements in the sterling exchange rate. Whether or not a refund can be expected by a consumer in any particular case is entirely a civil matter and not for Government intervention. The terms of the consumer's contract with the tour operator will indicate whether or not he is entitled to a refund in these circumstances, and it will be for him to pursue the matter with the company concerned.