The Commerce Commission will finalise its report on airport price control in the second quarter of 2002.

"After releasing the draft report in July, the Commission received substantial written and cross submissions at the conference held in September. The airport authorities and airlines also took the opportunity to present their views at the conference," said Director of Business Competition Branch Geoff Thorn.

"The Commission is working through a range of complex issues and needs to consider all of the information received. The report is expected to be finalised in the second quarter of 2002."

The Minister of Commerce requested the Commerce Commission report on whether price control should be introduced over the prices for airfield activities (as defined in the Airport Authorities Amendment Act 1997) at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports. The Commission must report to the Minister by no later than 1 August 2002.

Media contact: Business Competitions Branch Director, Geoff Thorn

Phone (work) 04 498 0958, (cellphone) 021 661 104

Communications Adviser, Jackie Maitland< Phone (work) 04 498 0920