Diary – 7 October 2005

A decade ago, as president of the Board of Trade, I was responsible for competition policy. I could refer or not refer. I could accept advice or reject it. In the background — but not far away — were Parliament and public scrutiny. How times change. The Office of Fair Trading is now its own creature. Ministers have washed their proverbial hands; quangocrats rule. So what is going on in this citadel of devolved power? For months we in the press and publishing world have been worried about a forthcoming OFT opinion about our traditional method of distribution, whereby wholesalers are granted a monopoly of defined areas, provided they distribute publications to all outlets; a system that is to the advantage of the consumer who may enjoy magazines of modest if growing circulation, and which protects small newsagents. You will appreciate the importance of the cause. After months of tetchy dialogue the case officer leaves. A disappointing decision is expected. Sir John Vickers, director-general, leaves at the end of September. The due day dawns and the ‘no news today’ signs are up. No one knows why. Friday says goodbye to the director-general amid a rising tide of rumours about internal dissent. What a way to treat a major British industry. When I was there, DTI officials wanted to submit the ailing Observer to this time- and business-consuming machinery. I refused and allowed its sale to proceed. I knew what delay could have done to an important organ of public opinion. But in those days ministers were ministers.

Off to shoot partridges with Christopher Bland for the first outing of the season. I should have submitted myself to a refresher at shooting school. Humiliated by William Waldegrave’s proficiency, I was reminded of earlier embarrassments. At the end of each drive it is usual for the guns to collect up their birds.