OFC launches inquiry into school uniforms market

The Office for Fair Competition has launched an inquiry into the market of school uniforms, books and stationery, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said today.

He said that the inquiry follows complaints by parents that some schools were requiring them to buy uniforms, in particular, from particular outlets even though they could be bought more cheaply elsewhere.

The OFC will send questionnaires to the parents of pupils in 105 government schools, 36 church schools and 18 independent schools and anyone wishing to provide information can also write to louise.sammut@gov.mt or clare.zammit@gov.mt The questionnaire can also be downloaded from www.finance.gov.mt

Mr Fenech said the inquiry will ascertain whether exclusive contracts between schools and retailers exist and whether they have a detrimental effect on prices as well as the quality and value of the products. Should that be the case, an investigation will be launched.

The inquiry will be followed by new guidelines on the subject to the schools.