National Nuclear Regulator Bill: discussion

Meeting report

MINERALS & ENERGY AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
9 February 1999
NATIONAL NUCLEAR REGULATOR BILL

Documents Handed Out
Portfolio Committee Resolution (see appendix 1)
Press Release (see appendix 2)

SUMMARY
The Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy Affairs met very briefly to adopt the resolution drawn up by the Chairperson. The resolution states that the Portfolio Committee will keep the two Nuclear related bills with them until the closing of Parliament, and refer them to both houses of the new Parliament after the elections. All the parties present adopted the resolution.

Appendix 1:
Resolution
Resolution on the Nuclear Energy Bill (B 10-99) and the National Nuclear Regulator Bill (B11-99)

The Portfolio committee on Minerals and Energy hereby resolves to retain before the Committee, till the end of this Parliament, the Nuclear Energy Bill (B10-99) and the National Nuclear Regulator Bill (B11-99) so as to enable the committee to pursue further discussions and deliberations between, labour, business, communities and the Department thereon. Recommends that as soon as possible after the first day of sitting of the new Parliament, the committee respectfully requests that both Houses adopt a resolution to resume the consideration of these bills at the same stage of the legislative process that they are in now.

Appendix 2:
Portfolio Committee Minerals and Energy
PRESS RELEASE

The Nuclear Energy Bill (B10-99) and the National Nuclear Regulator Bill (B11-99) were referred to the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy on 5 February 1999. The process of these bills in NEDLAC was not conclusive. A decision was taken that NEDLAC constituencies would raise their concerns and comments on the 1egislation with the Committee. The Committee held formal discussions, by way of public hearings on these bills. At these public hearings labour, business and communities made submissions.

Throughout our discussions it has, however, become increasingly evident that there is a need for further informal interaction amongst Stakeholders, the Committee and the Department. This will ensure that within the Committee amendments are passed to improve these bills. To this end the Committee has adopted the following resolution:

"To retain before the Committee, till the end of this Parliament, the Nuclear Energy Bill (310-99) and the National Nuclear Regulator Bill (311-99) so as to enable the Committee to pursue further discussions and deliberations between stakeholders and the Department thereon. Recommends that as soon as possible after the first day of sitting of the new Parliament, the Committee respectfully requests that both Houses adopt a resolution to resume the consideration of these bills at the same stage of the legislative process that they are in now."

In conclusion the Committee wishes to note that the Ministry, the Director-General and his staff have continued to maintain excellent working relations with the Committee and that the Minister and Director-General are fully supportive of the process of ensuring the implementation of good legislation.