Revocations of Monopolies and Restrictive Practices Orders
Revocation of the 1989 Beer Orders
The 1989 Orders were introduced following the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report, The Supply of Beer (CM651, ISBN 0 10 1065124), published in March 1989. The report contained a number of adverse findings related to the vertical links between brewing and pub retailing, and made recommendations aimed at loosening the tie between pub retailing and brewing in order to facilitate easier entry by, and increasing competition between, competing brewers, wholesalers and pub retailers.
Following a review of the Beer Orders by the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) in 2000, the Beer Orders were revoked in their entirety in early 2003.
Revocation of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Dental Goods) Order 1951
The Office of Fair Trading has reviewed the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Dental Goods) Order 1951 as a part of its programme of reviews of Orders and undertakings. The OFT have found that the trade association named as acting against the public interest in the report on dental goods is now the British Dental Trade Association. The one company named in the 1950 report as acting against the public interest was dissolved in 1996. The OFT believe that the practices which the Order addresses, as far as it has anti-competitive objects or effects, is now likely to be subject to the Competition Act 1998 which deals adequately with them. This Order was revoked on 15 December 2005.
Revocation of the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Imported Hardwood and Softwood Timber) Order 1960
The Office of Fair Trading reviewed the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Imported Hardwood and Softwood Timber) Order 1960 as a part of its programme of reviews of Orders and undertakings. The OFT found that the main timber trade body from the time, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), still exists but others from that time have either been dissolved or amalgamated with the TTF. The OFT believe that the practices which the Order addresses, as far as it has anti-competitive objects or effects, is now likely to be subject to the Competition Act 1998 which deals adequately with them. This Order was revoked on 15 December 2005.
Revocation of the Restriction on Agreements (Estate Agents) Order 1970
The Office of Fair Trading reviewed the Restriction on Agreements (Estate Agents) Order 1970 as a part of its programme of reviews of Orders and undertakings. In 2004 the OFT completed a market study of estate agents in England and Wales. The study concluded that overall there are no structural competition problems in this market (although price competition seemed weak). The study did not find agreements or arrangements between estate agents that restrict charges. The OFT believe that the practices which the Order addresses, as far as they have anti-competitive objects or effects, are now likely to be subject to the Competition Act 1998 and/or the cartel provisions in Part 6 of the Enterprise Act 2002 and the Order was revoked on 15 December 2005 following a consultation with interested parties.
Revocation of the Restriction On Conduct (Specialist Advertising Services) Order 1988
The Office of Fair Trading reviewed the Restriction on Conduct (Specialist Advertising Services) Order 1988 as a part of its programme of reviews of Orders and undertakings. Since the Order was made in 1988, the market structure has changed considerably and the OFT recommended that the Order be revoked. The Order was revoked on 1 November 2005 following a consultation with interested parties.
Revocation of the Films (Exclusivity Agreements) Order 1989
The Office of Fair Trading has reviewed the Films (Exclusivity Agreements) Order 1989 as a part of its programme of reviews of Orders and undertakings. Since the Order was made in 1989, the market structure has changed considerably and the OFT have recommended that the Order be revoked. It was revoked on the 1 December 2005 following a consultation with interested parties.