Cape Town - The Competition Commission has collected R226.3m in fines from companies being punished for breaking the laws on uncompetitive behaviour since June 2007.

This is out of a total of fines imposed amounting to R359.9m . The difference between the two figures represents outstanding instalments yet to be paid over the next two years.

Giving these figures in a written answer to a parliamentary question published on Monday, the Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa said that under the act, the money has to be paid into the national revenue account, and would not be earmarked for spending on special projects.

The question was asked by the leader of the Independent Democrats, Patricia de Lille.

De Lille was told by the minister that the bulk of the cash received from fines imposed came from Tiger Brands, which has already paid R98 984 869.90, and Adcock Ingram which has paid R53 502 800. New Reclamation were fined R146 972 085 and have so far paid R48 657 355 with the rest to come in June this year and next. Foodcorp were fined R45 506 359.82, of which R15 135 453.27 rand has been paid. The rest is due in January next year and the year after.

- I-Net Bridge