MP demands more holiday protection

EDINBURGH North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz has called for better protection for consumers against holiday firms going bust.

He spoke out in a parliamentary debate and said that 
the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme should be modernised.

He said the scheme, introduced in the 1970s, meant that only half of consumers were covered as many now book holidays themselves rather than through a travel agent.

Mr Lazarowicz has also raised concerns about tiredness among pilots, after a survey revealed that 43 per cent reported falling asleep at the flight deck.

He said: “I know what a blow it is if the company people booked a holiday with goes out of business – apart from the disappointment of losing their holiday they may not be protected financially.”