11. Question No. 11—Commerce and Consumer AffairsARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer AffairsQuestion No. 11—Commerce and Consumer Affairs11. ARENA WILLIAMS (Labour—Manurewa) to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Noa'ia Mr Speaker. What reports has he seen supporting the Commerce Commission's analysis of competition in the retail grocery sector?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK (Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs): Television New Zealand's Fair Go ran a story on Monday evening canvassing some of the major problems New Zealand faces with competition in the retail grocery sector. In particular the story reiterated the Commerce Commission's finding that the major grocery retailers are taking in excess of $1 million in excess profits each and every day out of hard-working Kiwis' pockets. There is a serious case for change when it comes to competition in the grocery sector and on behalf of the Government I intend to formally respond to the market study's recommendations in the coming weeks.Arena Williams: What changes have already been pledged in response to the Commerce Commission report?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: The major supermarkets have already said they will commit to stopping the practice of land banking and restrictive land covenants. Supermarkets are also working to ensure pricing and promotions are simple and easy to understand and that their loyalty programmes and data collection have clear and transparent disclosures and supermarkets and other stakeholders are already meeting to progress a mandatory code of conduct.Matt Doocey: You've told 'em!Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: These things were not happening before a market study and underscore some of the benefits of shining some sunlight on what is going on in that industry.Arena Williams: Does he believe—SPEAKER: No before the member goes on we're going to have a withdrawal and apology from Matt Doocey.Matt Doocey: I withdraw and apologise.SPEAKER: Thank you.Arena Williams: Does he believe the supermarkets' recently announced price roll-backs on essential items will help consumers?Hon Dr DAVID CLARK: It is a nice gesture from the supermarkets but the price freeze does not address the systemic competition problems in the sector that have been in place for a very long time. This Government does not believe Kiwis should have to spend so much on the basics especially when supermarkets are earning in excess of a million dollars in excess profits every day. Addressing the rising cost of groceries was a Labour campaign promise at the last election and I look forward to formally responding on behalf of the Government to the Commerce Commission's recommendations in the coming weeks.Hon Stuart Nash: In terms of the figure of a million dollars a day out of Kiwis' pockets would they be taking more or less out of Gerry Brownlee's pocket than they would out of the average—SPEAKER: Order! I'm just trying to work out whether my friend and colleague is going to have an early shower but I think he will withdraw and apologise. He absolutely knows that he is out of order. If it wasn't for the prevalence of such behaviour today in other parts of the House I think the member would be having an early shower. He will withdraw and apologise.Hon Stuart Nash: I withdraw and apologise.