Jones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeJones Shane: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 19 February 2014. Volume:696;Page:16065. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.Hon SHANE JONES (Labour) to theMinister of Commerce: What documentation if any did he and his office prepare prior to 12 February 2014 regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers and when was that documentation prepared?Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Commerce): I am not aware of any documents prepared by my office regarding the behaviour of supermarkets towards suppliers. However I have received reports from officials on supermarket issues. These reports did not contain information about the behaviour raised by that member alleging blackmail alleging extortion and alleging retrospective payments in the New Zealand supermarket sector.Hon Shane Jones: When he makes contact with the Commerce Commission what will he do to ensure that the Commerce Commission vigorously embraces section 98 and protects the anonymity of New Zealand - based suppliers given that they are being leaned upon over in Australia?Hon CRAIG FOSS: The Commerce Commission is perfectly able to carry out its duties as prescribed in the Commerce Act in and around issues such as confidentiality as the member raised just then.Hon Shane Jones: When will the Minister exercise his powers under section 99 and secure Australian assistance to ensure that this Commerce Commission investigation does not falter because of threats and intimidation by Australian-based supermarket owners?Hon CRAIG FOSS: Once again I understand the member has made a complaint to the Commerce Commission. I for one follow due process. I look forward to the outcome of that due process from the Commerce Commission and we will see what comes of that.Hon Shane Jones: Does he think it enhances or undermines the Commerce Commission processes if Woolworths’ Australian chairman Mr Ralph Waters is found to be calling New Zealand suppliers and discouraging them from participating in this legal process lest they face dire consequences in his supermarket in Australia?Hon CRAIG FOSS: What enhances the Commerce Commission processes is due process and not members grandstanding on issues that they will not repeat outside the House and making serious and inflammatory allegations of blackmail of extortion and of retrospective payments that quite frankly we are yet to see backed up.Hon Trevor Mallard: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. That was a very clear question which went to the actions of a particular individual Australian—Mr SPEAKER: Order! [Interruption] No. Order! The Minister addressed that question to my satisfaction.Hon Shane Jones: Name one single action this Minister has effected to stand up for New Zealand - based suppliers in the face of adverse action from the supermarkets?Hon CRAIG FOSS: At least one: adherence to the Commerce Act in which actually the particular section we are talking about was last addressed by the Labour Government in 2001 was considered in 2008 and was actually left alone. Adherence to due process is absolute and I await the outcomes.