THE GOVERNMENT'S scrapping of manufacturers' recommended retail prices on goods like washing machines, TVs and stereos is not just a triumph for consumers as prices are predicted to fall through competition, but a victory for common sense, too.

Out of self-interest, manufacturers were trying to do what is ultimately impossible - rig the market in a free enterprise system.

And don't they forget that it works both ways?

For, if as they peevishly warn, retail prices might go up rather than down because margins are so small, they will have nothing to complain about, will they?

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