The Commerce Commission has released for comment a discussion paper giving its preliminary view on the interrelationship between Part 2 of the Commerce Act and the Telecommunications Act.

The Commission invites comments on the paper, which should be submitted by Monday 30 April.

The paper sets out a draft framework that the Commission plans to use when deciding whether an issue should be considered under Part 2 of the Commerce Act, or under the Telecommunications Act.

Section 63 and clause 9 of Schedule 3A of the Telecommunications act both expressly exclude the application of the Commerce Act in certain circumstances.

The Commission will finalise its view after considering comments from interested parties.

The discussion paper can be viewed on the Commission's website www.comcom.govt.nz under Publications / Discussion Papers.

Comments on the paper can be submitted to: Commerce Commission Registrar, PO Box 2351, Wellington or by emailing registrar@comcom.govt.nz