§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Association of British Travel Agents over extending consumer protection for all holidaymakers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinConsumer protection matters in general, including package holidays, are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry; I 343W understand that the Association of British Travel Agents has had discussions with Ministers in his Department recently.
The Association of British Travel Agents has also written recently to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, supporting his request to the Civil Aviation Authority, as announced in his statement to the House on 11 March, for advice on possible arrangements to give financial protection to scheduled air passengers; air charter holidaymakers are already protected by the statutory bonding scheme for air travel organisers, and by the Air Travel Trust.