GOVERNMENT officials are studying representations by tour operators before ordering them to display their ownership links with in-house retailers.
The move comes after the Government took a closer look at transparency issues.
The Department of Trade and Industry gave the trade until last Wednesday to respond to undertakings issued by competition and consumer affairs minister Dr Kim Howells.
He pledged to make an order after this date under the 1973 Fair Trading Act.
A DTI spokeswoman said: “We received six responses from interested parties offering constructive and helpful points that are being examined.”
Thomas Cook and Airtours are believed not to have objected to the proposals to make clear the links on the inside and outside of agencies, brochures, stationary and advertisements.
But Thomson is thought to have argued against the move.
Dr Howells is expected to make an order in a few weeks with implementation due in early 2000.