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The Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment, Tonio Fenech, has today announced that the Office for Fair Competition within the Consumer and Competition Division will be launching an inquiry into the market of school uniforms, books and stationery. Minister Fenech explained that almost all students of Government schools, Church schools and Independent schools in Malta and Gozo are obliged to wear a uniform of some description and are sometimes expected to order their uniform, books and stationery according to a specified list or from a specified retailer.

As part of the inquiry, the OFC will approach 105 Government Schools, 36 Church schools and 18 Independent schools and the parents whose children attend these schools to find out whether the market allows choice on where to purchase a uniform, book or item of stationery. It will ascertain whether exclusive contracts between school and retailers have a detrimental effect on prices paid as well as the quality and value of the school uniform, book or stationery bought and whether they offer any benefits to the schools concerned.

Should anyone wish to provide any information on this market or like to participate in this exercise, they may obtain a copy of the OFC’s questionnaire by contacting Ms Louise Sammut on louise.sammut@gov.mt... or by contacting Dr Clare Zammit on clare.zammit@gov.mt.... The questionnaire may also be downloaded from the Ministry’s website www.finance.gov....mt (Online consultation).