6. Economy—Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Primary Industries and Saudi Agri-hubHon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Economic DevelopmentEconomy—Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Primary Industries and Saudi Agri-hub6. Hon PAUL GOLDSMITH (National) to the Minister for Economic Development: Does he regard it as good practice to carry out economic analysis of the likely effects of proposed major policy decisions?Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Economic Development): Yes.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Will he insist then that a proper cost-benefit analysis is done before the Government makes decisions affecting stock levels in this country?Hon DAVID PARKER: We don't need cost-benefit analysis to decide if it's the birth right of New Zealanders to have rivers clean enough to swim in. Cost-benefit analysis is used to compare the costs and benefits of different ways to remedy the problem as will happen when we make our changes to the national policy statement on water.Hon Paul Goldsmith: Why then did he not insist that a proper cost-benefit analysis was done before the Government made its oil and gas decision?Hon DAVID PARKER: Economic cost-benefit analysis that does not take into account environmental consequences is about as useful as an udder on a bull—therefore I'm not surprised that the member's party is advocating for it.Hon Paul Goldsmith: What would he say to the proposition that a Government that's not interested in understanding the effects of its decisions on jobs and on people's livelihoods is negligent in its basic duty to New Zealanders?Hon DAVID PARKER: I reject the implication in that question. I would further note that there is an enormous amount of analysis of the impact of climate change caused by fossil fuels which I recommend that the member reads.Hon Nathan Guy: Did the Minister tell the Land and Water Forum that New Zealand's dairy herd numbers need to be reduced by one million cows?Hon DAVID PARKER: No.Kiritapu Allan: What Government initiatives is he aware of that have not involved a robust economic analysis?Hon DAVID PARKER: I'm aware of a scheme to spend $11.5 million—in fact it's still spending it—building a sheep farm in the Saudi Arabian desert paying millions—SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat.Hon DAVID PARKER: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I'm being asked this question as Minister for Economic Development. I have responsibility for that project that is spending $11.5 million on a farm in the desert and associated abattoirs. I believe it is in order for me to alert the House to the nature of that project.SPEAKER: And I think there are two points: one I'm not sure that the member will add anything new; and secondly it's been repeatedly indicated that it is not appropriate to use Government patsy questions in order to attack the Opposition.Hon DAVID PARKER: Speaking to the point of order.SPEAKER: No I've dealt with the point of order Mr Parker.Hon DAVID PARKER: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: I want an assurance from the member that he's not going to contest my ruling.Hon DAVID PARKER: This question went to the need for economic analysis. This question goes to the need for economic analysis and I'm at a loss to see how it is not within the range of supplementaries on the primary question.Hon Nathan Guy: Has the economic development Minister been able to ascertain from the environment Minister why he told the Land and Water Forum that New Zealand's dairy herd numbers need to be reduced by one million cows reducing exports by $3 billion a year?Hon DAVID PARKER: Given that I hold both roles I can absolutely assure the House I made no such request or assertion to the Land and Water Forum. What is clear is that cow numbers have already dropped. The point that I have been making in the media in recent days is that if you want to have swimmable rivers you have to decrease nutrient discharges to water bodies. A cap and allocation of nutrient discharge rights in some area does impact on cow numbers. Regional councils understand that. They need a hand so that they don't repeat the same scraps as to the proper nutrient allocation methodology through each region in New Zealand when this can be achieved through national guidance.