Beyond the Competition Commission...?

Following the Secretary of State's acceptance of the Competition Commission's recommendations on the dispensing of veterinary medicines, members will be aware that the Office of Fair Trading has produced a draft Order to implement some of these recommendations. This draft is based almost wholly upon the Commission's recommendations.

The RCVS has submitted a response to an initial informal consultation on this draft and hopes to liaise with the OFT and the Department of Trade and Industry to discuss the way forward. The first of what is hoped will be a number of meetings with the OFT is fixed for next Tuesday (24 June 2003).

The RCVS is keen to ensure that it covers all relevant aspects of the draft Order and the proposals to amend the Guide to Professional Conduct. Members are therefore invited to read the College'sprincipal submissions that have been put to the Competition Commission and the OFT to date and suggest any additional issues that should be raised. 

Comments should be sent to Gordon Hockey at [email protected] or Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2AF for consideration by a reconvened Working Party of the Advisory Committee over the coming weeks.