SCOTTISH MILK INQUIRY: HEARINGS IN SCOTLAND

On 2 May the Competition Commission published provisional findings in its inquiry into the supply of fresh processed milk to middle ground retailers in Scotland. It also provided a summary of the issues which had been brought to its attention so far. The inquiry is due to be completed at the beginning of November.

As part of its investigations, the Commission has visited milk processing and distribution plants in the Central belt and the Highlands, and has begun a series of hearings with interested parties. Some are being held in Edinburgh and Glasgow, others in London. This is in line with the Commission’s policy of making itself more accessible to those who provide it with evidence. The Commission remains keen to hear from others who feel they have something to contribute on the issues covered by the inquiry terms of reference.

Notes to Editors

The statement of issues was published on 2 May and is available on the Commission’s website (www.competition-commission.org.uk/21-00.htm) or from David Peel, Competition Commission, New Court, 48 Carey Street, London, WC2A 2JT, Tel: 0207 271 0288.
On February 3 2000, The Director General of Fair Trading referred to the Competition Commission, for investigation and report, the supply of fresh processed milk to middle ground retailers in Scotland (see OFT press release 07/00).
‘Middle ground retailers’ are defined in the Commission’s terms of reference as retailers other than:

ASDA Group plc, Marks & Spencer plc, Safeway plc, J Sainsbury plc, Somerfield Stores plc, Tesco plc and each of their subsidiaries, and
those whose sole business is the delivery of fresh processed milk to households.

The Commission emphasized, when it published its statement of issues, that it has reached no conclusions about whether any matters are operating against the public interest, or may be expected to do so.
The inquiry is being undertaken by a group of four Commission members, assisted by experts. It is led by Denise Kingsmill, one of the Commission’s two deputy chairmen. The other Commission members of the group are Peter Mackay, a former Chief Executive of the Scottish Office Industry Department; Professor Martin Cave, Vice Principal of Brunel University; and Anthony Clothier, an independent consultant.
Further information can be obtained from the Commission's website at www.competition-commission.org.uk/ref.htm
Enquiries should be directed to:

Francis Royle, Press Officer Tel: 0207 271 0242