A new bill joins the list of those expected to be introduced in Parliament as it resumes today. As well as the Equal Opportunities Act or the Freedom of Information Act, the new Competition bill will probably be discussed during the first sessions. Putting an end to monopolies and to some operators? intention to prevent possible competitors from starting a business ? this is what this new bill aims at. But there is no question of ignoring or neglecting consumers? rights. The bill also makes provision for the setting up of a competition commission to make sure operators will not take advantage of the situation to the detriment of consumers.

By implementing such a law, the government wants to promote more liberal trade. The law would prevent any operator from being involved in illegal practices such as cartels, monopolies or collusion. However, it wants to make sure that liberalising the market will not mean penalising the consumer. This is why the competition commission is part of the bill. The organisation, which will take action either of its own motion or following public complaints, will be able to stop any activity that would not abide by the rules of sound competition. Members of this commission will be appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the opposition leader. They will be given powers to enquire on allegations or suspicions of illegal commercial operations. The commission will then refer the case to tribunals concerned.

The bill stipulates that offenders be given severe sanctions. If proved guilty, operators may have to pay a fine of up to 10% of their company?s yearly turnover ? based on the year the offence was committed. They could even face a maximum prison sentence of three years.