THE European Commission is taking no action over allegations of price-fixing on cross-Channel ferries.

The investigations began in September 2003 when a team of inspectors made an unannounced visit to P&O Ferries' headquarters in Dover.

Now the Commission has confirmed that the investigation is complete, and the file is being closed without any further action.

Russ Peters, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: "If we had any concern it was that the Commission would not formally close the file at the end of its investigation.

"This is sometimes the case even if it does not find against a company, and can leave a question mark hanging over the organisation concerned.

"Given our extensive efforts to co-operate as fully and frankly as possible I am pleased that the Commission has made a point of formally drawing a line under the issue."