Hide will watch watchdog

The Government has confirmed Act leader Rodney Hide, an ardent advocate for free market policies, has assumed oversight of competition watchdog the Commerce Commission.

In a schedule of responsibilities delegated to associate ministers released this week by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, it was revealed that Hide, the Associate Minister of Commerce, had assumed responsibility not only for the commission but also for the ongoing operation of the Commerce Act.

He will also assist Minister of Commerce Simon Power in policy development relating to the act and the commission as well as having input into future appointments to the commission.

If Hide plans to temper what some have criticised as the commission's aggressive approach under former chairwoman Paula Rebstock he was giving little indication of that yesterday and was unwilling to comment on the commission's work in recent years.

"I'm not looking back, I'm looking forward", he said.