On Tuesday the Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy Select Committee, which Richard Fuller MP is a member of, was taking evidence on State Aid and Post Brexit Competition Policy.
One of those giving evidence was former Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority, Lord Tyrie and during the session, Richard questioned him about the remit of the CMA in protecting and championing consumer rights with the products and services consumed within the public sector.
Speaking after Select Committee, Richard said:
I have long argued that consumer rights are less well supported within the public sector in areas such as accessing GP appointments, getting a driving licence or a quick and painless renewal of a passport. With an increasing focus in competition policy that puts the consumer front and centre, I argued that the remit of the CMA should be strengthened and expanded to provide robust oversight and investigatory powers over public services to ensure that protections in this area are at least as strong as those in the private sector.
It was gratifying that, as someone with an intimate inside knowledge of the workings of the CMA and competition policy in general, Lord Tyrie agreed in principle with my premise.
The full exchange between Lord Tyrie and Richard can be watched here.
