Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 July 2005. It was answered by Karen Buck (Labour) on Monday, 4 July 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Air Travellers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)'s estimate of the number of UK leisure passengers who flew without financial protection in 2004; and if he will bring forward legislation to ensure that affected UK passengers can be repatriated by the CAA in the event of a major airline failure.

Answer: The Department is aware of the trend for consumers to make their own travel arrangements, rather than buy package holidays that are protected by the ATOL scheme. The Civil Aviation Authority has provided advice to the Government on a range of options, including an extension of the scope of financial protection to cover passengers on all flights. We are currently considering that advice and will then decide whether to bring forward appropriate legislation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 436 c15W; 9359
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Aviation Civil Aviation Authority Airlines Insurance Protection Passengers Travel