Govt Intervention - Controlling Monopolies: Quality Standards, Performance Targets, Controlling Mergers Flashcards

1
Q

What are quality standards

A

Measures to ensure monopolists provide high quality products so that consumers aren’t exploited with low quality products

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2
Q

Problems with quality standards

A

Firms may offer to self-regulate which could lead to asymmetric information

Lobbying may lead to poor quality products going unpunished by regulators

Requires political will and understanding to introduce

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3
Q

What are performance targets

A

Targets set by regulators for a variety of different outputs for a firm

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4
Q

What are the performance targets set by network rail for UK trains

A

Targets are given for the percentage of trains that arrive on time

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5
Q

Problems with performance targets
(GIVE EXAMPLES WHERE NECESSARY)

A

-Firms can achieve the targets without actually improving (e.g. train companies changing train schedule so all trains arrive on time)

-Performance targets have to be changed frequently

-Asymmetric information as most performance data are provided by the firms

-Regulatory Capture

-Excessive administration costs

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6
Q

What are the 2 reasons why the CMA would prevent/investigate a merger

A

A merger is investigated if it will result in market share greater than 25%

OR

If the merged company has a combined turnover of £70 million or more.

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7
Q

What are some mergers that were prevented by the CMA

A

-Facebook and Giphy 2020
-JD and Footasylum 2018

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