I published the report of the Competition and Mergers Review Group on 4 May 2000. The group, which was chaired by Mr. Michael Collins, SC, has made some 40 recommendations on a variety of aspects of competition and mergers legislation, the enforcement of competition law, including the groceries order, and the administration of mergers law.
A majority of the review group recommended that the groceries order be repealed.
I am aware of the strong views held by various groups, commercial and other on this matter. I intend to consult all interested parties and when I have heard their views I will make my decision.
In the interim, the order remains in force.