§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent studies he has evaluated into swimming pool safety at holiday resorts; what steps he is taking to ensure that(a) tour operators guarantee minimum safety standards for tourists equivalent to those in the United Kingdom, (b) that tour operators check the safety provisions at all facilities which are advertised for holidays from the United Kingdom and (c) to make tour operators fully liable for any damage or injury to tourists from the United Kingdom incurred as a result of poor or dangerous facilities that they have advertised. [36190]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansI am aware of the recent report by the Consumers Association.
All major holiday companies operating from the United Kingdom observe a strict code of safety practice drawn up, at the instigation of the Association of British Travel Agents, by the International Federation of Tour Operators. This covers swimming pool safety.
Organisers of packages are liable for the proper performance of the obligations under the contract, irrespective of whether such obligations are performed by the tour operator himself, or by another supplier of services. They may also owe a duty of care to their customers. I am not persuaded of the need to go further.