Question NW1257 to the Minister of Trade and Industry
11 May 2016 - NW1257
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) How many (i) international and (ii) domestic trips has a certain person (name and details furnished) undertaken since her appointment, (b) what class of travel did she use in each case and (c) what was the cost per financial year for these trips in terms of (i) accommodation costs, (ii) car rental costs and (iii) subsistence allowances?
Reply:
The requested information relates to a period that spans 11 years, which exceeds the period that the NEF stores records of the nature requested once audited. In terms of National Treasury Regulations, the NEF is required to keep records containing the requested information for a maximum period of 5 years.
It is therefore not possible at this point in time to respond comprehensively to the question as this is an onerous task by virtue of the considerable time that has lapsed since appointment of the CEO in 2005. Over the last few years the NEF has responded to similar questions relating to its CEO from the DA and has provided all necessary information as that related to information which was within its possession. We would also like to bring the Hon. Bagraim’s attention to the fact that the Hon. McPherson asked a similar question about the CEO of the NEF on 15 April 2016 and the NEF has provided responses thereto.
It is therefore regrettable that the NEF has had to contend with this volume and frequency of questions that relate to the same matter as this distracts valuable care and attention from the core business of the NEF. The latest request might necessitate the appointment of an external service provider to review NEF records and compile the report required by Hon. Bagraim.