| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 07/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Trading standards investigation
Operators deny any breach of brochure price regulations
OPERATORS have insisted they have nothing to fear from a Trading Standards investigation into brochure prices.The consumer watchdog is preparing legal action after claiming customers face paying more for their holiday than advertised in brochures.
It follows warnings in 2001 brochures that prices may vary.
Trading Standards spokesman Bruce Treloar declined to say who the culprits are although Thomson is believed to the main offender.
Airtours Holidays managing director Richard Carrick said it worked closely with Trading Standards which is happy with the operator’s policy.
“There is no inference that the price will go up and, if it does, we are required to put stickers on every brochure or withdraw them from the shelves,” said Carrick.
Thomson said the crucial point was that customers know at the point of sale what price they are paying.
“We will defend our position,” said a spokeswoman.
First Choice sales and distribution director John Wimbleton said it produces a flight supplement when prices rise.
JMC claimed it had not breached regulations.
Any legal action will take at least six months to reach court.
n See Analysis, page 8