Question NW3420 to the Minister of Transport
10 November 2017 - NW3420
Steenkamp, Ms J to ask the Minister of Transport
(a) Why have the requests for more regular meetings of the Air Services Licensing (ASL) Council not been granted or accredited to, (b) how many requests for additional ASL Council meetings have been received in the past three financial years, (c) why have none of the requests been responded to and (d) what has he found to be the legislative implications of not acceding to the requests?
Reply:
Civil Aviation Branch
(a) The Air Services Licensing Council (ASL) normally meets monthly to consider applications for licenses. In terms of section 8(1) of the Air Services Licensing Act (Act No. 115 of 1990) (hereinafter referred to as “the Áct”), it is the prerogative of the Council to hold meetings at such times and places as may from time to time be determined by the Chairperson of the Council. The Council is, therefore, not required to request approval for the scheduling of additional meetings.
(b) and (c) Meetings of the Air Services Licensing Council are planned and organized monthly over a period of twelve months. Council is mandated in terms of the Act to hold meetings at such times and places as may be determined by the Chairperson, aligned with budgeted funds. Various additional meetings were held during the past three financial years, details as follows: In the 2015/16 financial year, Council held 14 scheduled monthly- and 3 additional meetings (total of 5 additional meetings for the year); during the 2016/17 financial year, Council held 12 scheduled monthly- and 3 additional meetings and in 2017/18 (to date), Council held 7 scheduled meetings and 2 additional meetings.
(d) No legislative implications are inherent in this regard, since all meetings of the Council are conducted within the mandate of the Act.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Air Services Licensing Council is a statutory body established in terms of Section 3 of the Air Services Licensing Act (Act No. 115 of 1990). The Council is concerned with the licensing and control of the domestic air services. In addition, it is responsible for the promotion of high standards of safety and to ensure that the domestic air services are rendered within the legislative framework.
In terms of Section 7, “A member of the council shall receive, from moneys appropriated by Parliament for this purpose, such remuneration and allowances as may be determined by the Minister of Transport, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, in general or in any particular case.” Provision is made within the Branch Civil Aviation’s budget for the normal activities of the Council, which include monthly scheduled meetings as well as a nominal allocation for additional meetings to address licence applications as well as aviation industry-related meetings. Planning of additional meetings and other activities of the Council must, however, be done with due regard to the available budget as well as the cost cutting measures currently in place within the public service.
The Council conducts both scheduled and additional meetings as and when required. Various additional meetings were held during the past three financial years, details as follows:
- In the 2015/16 financial year: Council held 14 scheduled monthly- and 3 additional meetings (total of 5 additional meetings for the year);
- During the 2016/17 financial year, Council held 12 scheduled monthly- and 3 additional meetings; and
- In 2017/18 (to date), Council held 7 scheduled meetings and 2 additional meetings.