The Legislative Framework

Abstract

British and European Community legislation set the framework within which competition policy operates in Britain. Community law takes precedence over British law, but is concerned only with matters which may affect trade between member states (a business which trades only within Britain is not, however, exempt from the provisions of Community law if its conduct could have an effect upon imports from other member states). Thus there remain large areas of domestic trade and commerce which are subject only to national competition legislation. In other areas, the existence of two systems of legislation raises the possibility of conflicts and inconsistencies, but proposed changes to British domestic legislation are likely to bring it more closely into line with Community law.