12. CLARE CURRAN (Labour—Dunedin South) to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his statements?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister) : Yes.

Clare Curran: Does he stand by his statements regarding the draft Commerce Commission recommendations for wholesale broadband pricing, that “in its current form it would be very problematic” because “it substantially reduces the income of that company”, referring to Chorus, the Crown-backed ultra-fast broadband network?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Yes.

Clare Curran: Why does he want most New Zealand households to pay around $12 a month more for their phone and internet services than they otherwise would?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Firstly, I would reject the proposition that they would be paying more. Secondly, I think it is important that New Zealand has a roll-out of ultra-fast broadband. Thirdly, it is quite correct that the Government has taken a very close look at that Commerce Commission ruling, which is an interim ruling.

Clare Curran: Does he believe that it is a fundamental principle of our telecommunications regulatory regime that the regulator is independent to carry out its role without interference or undue political influence?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Of course. They are free to go about their work. The Government then is free to decide whether it wants to adopt that.

Clare Curran: Will he rule out legislation if the Commerce Commission comes back with a final decision that his Government does not agree with?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Definitely not.