Guernsey Press

'Put consumer interest first'

CONSUMER interest should be at the heart of States policies, the chief executive of the island's competition regulator has told business leaders.

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Michael Byrne, pictured, said the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities advised the government that consumers should play a primary part in considerations to ensure prices do not soar and competition is not limited.

Speaking at yesterday's Chamber of Commerce lunch, he also argued that if markets were left to themselves, they did not deliver the best outcomes for consumers or governments.

'The States has a hugely influential role in restricting prices, making sure markets are fair and putting pressure on producers,' he said.

'There are a lot of consumers out there that don't have that ability to push back, but the States does.

'We look to the States and encourage them when we can, particularly when it is looking at setting up bids for invitations to tender, because there are ways it can do it that are more healthy to competition.'

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