October 1, 1997

Toys 'R' Us Colluded On Prices, Judge Rules Toys ''R'' Us, the biggest retailer in the nation's cutthroat toy business, violated Federal trade laws by colluding with manufacturers, including Mattel and Hasbro, to keep prices for toys like Barbie and Mr. Potato Head artificially high, a judge ruled. Upholding F.T.C. charges, the judge, James P. Timony, agreed that Toys ''R'' Us used its market muscle against its emerging chief competition, warehouse clubs like Price/Costco, BJ's and Sam's Club. Toys ''R'' Us said it would appeal the ruling. [Page A1.]

David Gonzalez About New York column discusses success of artist Corrine Weinberg in making sculptured door knobs; photo (M)

Congress is expected to enact nation's first ban on imports of goods made by forced or indentured child laborers, children who are sold into bondage by their parents and who must often work decade or more to buy their freedom; Rep Bernard Sanders and Sen Tom Harkin, bill's sponsors, say it will greatly affect importing of rugs and carpets from Pakistan and India, where some children as young as 4 years old are sold into bondage; human rights organizations estimate that South Asia has over 15 million indentured child laborers (M)

George Vecsey Sports of The Times column contends that New York Yankees manager Joe Torre took calculated risk in starting David Cone in first game of playoff series against Cleveland Indians; photo (M)

Israel released the imprisoned spiritual leader of the Islamic movement Hamas, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, and flew him to Amman, in response to a request from King Hussein of Jordan for ''positive steps to help the peace process.'' Article, page A5.