It is familiar and widely accepted all over the world, even by groups who do not practice it.

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The children's commissioner also underlined recent reports by watchdog groups which he said identified inconsistencies in practice across Wales.

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This fall, Consumers Union and other consumer groups asked Congress to look into whether consumers are getting gouged by the practice.

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The common European practice of giving pressure groups a formal status, and often a legal right to be consulted, minimises conflict by ensuring that powerful groups put their case to governments before laws are introduced.

ECONOMIST: POLITICS BRIEF