Considers alleged unethical practices of major oil companies to eliminate competition and control the marketing of gasoline, oil, and related automobile accessories by retail service station franchises. Apr. 7 hearing was held in Los Angeles, Calif.; pt. 2: Hearings were held in San Diego, Calif.; pt. 3: Nov. 3 hearing was held in Richmond, Va; Nov. 4 hearing was held in Abingdon, Va.; pt. 4: Considers allegations of antitrust law violations by banana distributing companies; pt. 5: Considers Justice Dept antitrust consent decrees impact on antitrust law enforcement. Examines justification and impact of consent decree regarding ATT voice telecommunications service and Western Electric Co. telephone equipment regulation; pt. 6: Considers alleged violations of antitrust laws in the baking industry and their impact on small businesses; pt. 7: Investigates the harmful economic effects of smog on small business in the Los Angeles area. Hearing was held in Los Angeles, Calif.; pt. 8: Investigates problems of small business, with particular emphasis on the gasoline retail industry. Hearing was held in Jacksonville, Fla.

This book is the first systematic study of the use and effectiveness of the antitrust consent decree in the federal enforcement of antitrust laws.