COMPETITION COMMISSION SAYS IT IS ON TRACK TO REPORT ON THE SAFEWAY MERGER

Competition Commission Chairman Sir Derek Morris said today that the Safeway inquiry was currently still on track to finish by 12 August.

Speaking at a dinner at the Oxford University Business Economics Programme Sir Derek said:

“Some have speculated that the Competition Commission is running late with the Safeway inquiry. The current deadline is very demanding, and we have received a wide range of views on a broad set of diverse and detailed issues – and we are dealing with four separate mergers in four and a half months, with 480 stores and their implications for competition in local areas – but we are currently proceeding according to schedule, not least because of the co-operation on our timetable which we have received so far.”

Sir Derek Morris spoke about the new competition regime brought about by the Enterprise Act which brings new responsibilities and determinative powers to the Commission.

Sir Derek said:

“The Government and the Commission are fully committed to establishing a world class competition authority in the UK. According to a recent survey conducted by the Global Competition Review, the UK regime achieved significant support, ranking second in the world, only fractionally behind the well established competition regime of the United States.”

Sir Derek also commented on the recent High Court judgment regarding the mobile phone report where Mr Justice Moses upheld the Competition Commission’s report and recommendations.

Sir Derek said:

“It is right and proper that the Competition Commission’s reports can be challenged by judicial review. We are an accountable body and seek to ensure by all means possible that our reports are robust and will stand up to scrutiny. I am, however, pleased that the CC’s report was fully endorsed.”

Notes for Editors

1. Further information can be obtained from the Commission’s website at http://www.competition-commission.org.uk

2. Enquiries should be directed to Francis Royle, Press Officer, Tel: 0207 271 0242