I NOTE in the South China Morning Post, of February 25, a spokesman for the Regional Council (Regco), who advised that the cost of overseas study visits by Regco members had increased by almost 50 per cent last year from $94 million to $144 million. The main reason given for the drastic cost increase was that the trips were organised by a travel agency instead of through the Regco secretariat as previously. I would refute this facile excuse and point out that the vast majority of travellers use a travel agent, because travel agents do have access to fares and hotel rates which generally speaking are not available to direct purchasers. As significant sums of public money are involved I would respectfully suggest that the Director of Audit look into this matter to ensure that public money is not being wasted due to inefficiency or overspending. IAN STEWART Vice President Travel and Travel Management Services Hong Kong
