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33/01
10 October 2001
COMPETITION COMMISSION INVITES EVIDENCE ON THE SUPPLY
OF PRESCRIPTION-ONLY VETERINARY MEDICINES
John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading, has asked
the Competition Commission to inquire into the supply of prescription-only
veterinary medicine within the UK. The Commission has been asked, among
other things, to investigate whether a complex monopoly situation exists
in this sector and, if so, whether it operates, or may be expected to
operate, against the public interest.
The Commission would welcome views from interested parties,
in writing, by 9 November 2001. To submit evidence, please either write
to:
The Reference Secretary (Veterinary Medicines)
Competition Commission
New Court
48 Carey Street
London WC2A 2JT
Or email: vetmedicines@competition-commission.org.uk
Denise Kingsmill, a Deputy Chairman of the Competition
Commission, is to chair the group of Commission members conducting the
inquiry. The other members of the group will be appointed shortly.
The Commission has been asked to make its report to the
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry within fifteen months from the
date of reference. The report will be published later.
Notes to Editors
- This reference was made under sections 10(3), 10(4), 47(1), 49(1)
and 50(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973, on 9 October 2001 (see OFT Press
Notice 41/01).
- "Prescription-only veterinary medicines" means medicinal products
that are subject to an order under section 58 of the Medicines Act 1968
and which may be sold only by veterinary surgeons or veterinary practitioners
for administration to animals under their care or by pharmacists on
a written prescription from a veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner.
- "Medicinal product" means a product falling within either section
130 of the Medicines Act 1968 or Article 1.2 of Council Directive 65/65/EEC.
- "Veterinary surgeon" and "veterinary practitioner" have the meanings
given to the terms by section 132(1) of the Medicines Act 1968.
- Further information can be found on the Commission website at www.competition-commission.org.uk
- Enquiries should be directed to Francis Royle, Press Officer Tel:
020 7271 0242
Group Members
Mrs D Kingsmill (Chairman)
Mr GH Hadley
Professor A Hamlin
Mr CE Henderson
Mr TS Richmond
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