STORY LINE
Lisa and Tony decide to book a two-week Christmas break in Australia, with Hoppy Tours. It is an English-based tour operator specialising in Antipodean breaks.
The first week of the holiday, which covers Christmas day, includes the rent of a house near Sydney, close to the beach.
Lisa, in particular, is attracted by the idea of baking in the sun over the Christmas period, rather than shivering in the winter chill of the UK.
By the time Boxing Day arrives, the couple have most certainly enjoyed themselves, and now well into the general spirit of the festivities. They decide to set off to the beach, but leave the house unlocked and most of their money and valuables in it.
When they eventually return, they discover that the house has been burgled and all their money and valuables stolen.
After reporting the break-in to the police, they learn that the house has been burgled three-times in the previous five weeks (no warnings had been given to them by Hoppy Tours). Their own insurers refuse to make any payment to them and they place a claim against Hoppy Tours.
Question 1
Are their personal insurers entitled to refuse to make any payment?
a) Yes
b) No
Question 2
Is Hoppy Tours liable?
a) Yes
b) No
Question 3
Does the conduct of Tony and Lisa entitle Hoppy Tours to refuse or reduce the amount of compensation?
a) Yes
b) No
Answers to week eight (9/12/98 issue):
Question one: No
It is for less than 24hrs.
Question two: No
Unless it was normal that there were extensive queues.
Question three: No
The brochure term probably works because there is no package.
There were three winners from the last quiz. Keep those entries rolling in. The lucky winners were: Miss R Chaplin, John Smith Travel, Herts; Miss K Bardon, TAM Travel, Surrey; and Liz Yates, Lynton Cooper, London.
Congratulations! The vouchers are in the post.