OFT's powers

OFT's powers

A WARNING that too few businesses are aware of the sweeping new powers in the Competition Bill was issued yesterday by John Bridgeman, the Director- general of Fair Trading.

Mr Bridgeman, who will have the authority to ban anti-competitive practices, raid company premises and impose fines, said he was preparing a major information campaign to explain the new bill which becomes law in autumn 1999. He was speaking as the OFT's annual report was published, showing a 3 per cent increase in consumer complaints to 861,456.