Fair Trading hits road haulage
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AGREEMENTS relating to the supply and acquisition of road haulage and a wide range of other transport services are soon to be included in the legislation designed to protect the public against price rings and other restrictive practices.
Mrs Shirley Williams, Secretary for Prices and Consumer Protection, announced last week that she is to make an order to subject these services to registration with the Office of Fair Trading and examination by the Restrictive Practices Court.
It will be the task of the director-general of Fair Trading to consider whether each such agreement materially restricts competition or is likely to be detrimental to the public.
Other transport services to be covered by the new powers include passenger transport (except stage carriage and express carriage services as defined by sections 117 and 118 of the Road Traffic Act 1960), tour operating, motor schools, car parks, furniture removing and storage.
Any agreements not approved by the DirectorGeneral will in due course be investigated by the Restrictive Practices Court. If the court finds against them, any restrictions under agreements will become void.