Consumer protection office attacks unfair legal practices

The Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has imposed a fine of zl. 36,000 on the National Notaries Council (KRN), which has been accused of forcing notaries to charge maximum fees. "This violates regulations on fair competition. The Council's statute limits the possibility of negotiating prices and choosing notaries whose offers are more attractive," UOKiK representatives said yesterday, adding that notaries should be subject to free market laws. KRN is to appeal to the anti-monopoly court against UOKiK's decision. Marek Kolasa, a notary from the Council said the statute, which has been approved by the Justice Ministry, does not violate consumer rights. Kolasa stressed that notaries often reduce fees for the poor, farmers and flood victims. The maximum notary fee is determined by the Justice Ministry following consultation with the Finance Ministry and KRN. (Zycie, p. 9) K.S.