'˜Name money exchange firms engaged in overcharging' - says Campbell

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell has tabled a motion in the House of Commons on recent reports of significant overcharging at money exchanges and bureaux de changes.
Gregory Campbell, MP. Pic: Lorcan Doherty Photography.Gregory Campbell, MP. Pic: Lorcan Doherty Photography.
Gregory Campbell, MP. Pic: Lorcan Doherty Photography.

The DUP representative said: “This is an important issue for many people travelling both on business and preparing for Christmas homecoming visits or breaks. Nowadays many people have easy access to short breaks and they should not be hit hard in the pocket with absurd overcharging at money exchanges.

“It appears that money exchange and bureaux de changes companies, particularly at airports, seem to be taking significant monetary advantage of current currency fluctuations. Reports of companies charging rates between 15 and 25 per cent more than market rates for pound to euro exchanges have become more commonplace.

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“On the 25% differential, it would not be hard to imagine what the public outcry would be if forecourts, using the currency as an excuse were to push up fuel prices (by 25%) from £1.20 to £1.50 per litre.”

Early day motions draw attention to a cause with MPs registering their support by signing them. Of the 12 signatories supporting Mr Campbell, eight are party colleagues, plus one each from the Conservatives, Scottish Nationalists, Labour and independents. His EDM calls for publication of the names of the firms engaged in overcharging so “the public can avoid, where possible, doing business with them”.