December 20, 2025
Chilton v Saga Holidays Plc [1984] EWCA Civ 1
Mr and Mrs Chilton sued Saga Holidays over a disappointing holiday. In the small claims arbitration, the registrar refused to allow Saga's solicitor to cross-examine the unrepresented claimants. The Court of Appeal held this violated natural justice, as cross-examination is a fundamental right in adversarial proceedings. Facts Mr and Mrs Chilton took a holiday organised by Saga Holidays Plc and were extremely dissatisfied with various aspects of it. Rather than pursuing their claim through the ABTA arbitration procedure, they exercised their right to commence legal proceedings in the County Court. As their claim was for less than £500, it was
