Competition authorities give MDPs another push

The prospect of official intervention in the multi-disciplinary partnership debate came a step closer last week when the Office of Fair Trading reiterated its director-general's support for them.The steer came in the OFT consultation paper setting out the scope of its review of the professions - including accountants, lawyers, actuaries, architects and engineers - and the OFT's intended line of questioning (see [2000] Gazette, 30 March, 4).However, the paper made it clear that the OFT would take 'consumer protection' arguments into consideration.

The OFT is seeking answers to a ream of enquiries from fees to rules affecting charging and advertising issues.

The OFT hopes to report to ministers at the end of this year.The director-general of the OFT has sweeping powers to end anti-competitive practices - including Law Society rules - following the introduction of the Competition Act 1998 this year.

The Law Society said it was 'pretty relaxed' about the inquiry, which would offer an 'interesting opportunity to comment on restrictions in the other professions.' See International, page 10.

Jeremy Fleming