COMPETITION COMMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON PRESCRIPTION-ONLY VETERINARY MEDICINES IN LONDON ON 26 APRIL

The Competition Commission is to hold a public meeting on 26 April, as part of its inquiry into the supply of prescription-only animal medicines. The Commission is investigating the chain of supply from manufacturers (pharmaceutical companies) through wholesalers to veterinary surgeons and onwards to customers, including owners of companion animals.

The hearing will commence at 10.00 am and is expected to end around 1.00 pm. A press briefing will be held at 1.15 pm. There will be a photo opportunity at 9.30 am.

The event will be webcast live and viewers will be able to respond electronically.

The Commission has invited representatives from the industry, from the various user groups and from the general public to be present. The topics to be introduced by industry experts and discussed are:

- The regulatory system
- Dispensing of prescription-only medicines
- Veterinary surgeons’ charges for prescription-only medicines
- Manufacturers list prices for prescription-only medicines

Representatives of the press are welcome to observe the hearings and those who wish to attend should contact the Press Office Tel: 020 7271 0242. A transcript of the proceedings will be available on the Commission website at a later date.

Notes to Editors

1. The reference was made by John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading, under sections 10(3), 10(4), 47(1), 49(1) and 50(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1973 on 9 October 2001 (see OFT Press Notice 41/01).
2. The public meeting is in addition to the Commission’s normal procedures for carrying out its investigations, which include collecting evidence in writing and holding private hearings with individual parties. No confidential information will be requested, nor cross-examining allowed, nor will individual cases or complaints be discussed at the public meeting. There will be an opportunity to put points arising by e-mail to the inquiry Chairman, Denise Kingsmill, who, at her discretion, will raise them with those participating.
3. Denise Kingsmill, a Deputy Chairman of the Commission, is heading the inquiry. The other members of the group are Graham Hadley, Professor Alan Hamlin, Charles Henderson and Tim Richmond. Mrs Kingsmill will chair the public meeting on 26 April.
4. Further information can be obtained from the Commission website at www.competition-commission.org.uk/inquiries/vetmed.htm
5. Enquiries should be directed to: Francis Royle, Press Officer Tel: 020 7271 0242