Implementation of the rules on competition

The House voted 409 to 54 with 25 abstentions in favour of a Commission proposal to reform competition policy procedures relating to restrictive agreements and abuse of dominant position. (Please refer to the previous text). Amendments made to the report by Mr Jonathan EVANS (EPP-ED, UK) and which were approved seek to introduce an element of harmonisation as far as the fines are concerned and a clearer definition of public interest, while another amendment aims to limit the right to interview staff in an ivestigation to representatives in order not to jeopardise the individual's position in the company. MEPs also voted to delete the Commission's proposal for a registration system to replace the current notification and authorisation system on the grounds that the value of the proposed new system had not been demonstrated. Other detailed amendments relating to investigative procedures were also approved. �