Questions & Replies: Question & Replies No 251 to 300
2008-11-26
[PMG note: Any gaps in the numbering are due to the replies not being provided yet]
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(For oral reply)
QUESTION 1'10.255
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
Mr RNCebekhulu (IFP) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs:
(1) Whether a study conducted by the department has concluded that global warming has led to a reduction in fish species and stock numbers; if so, what are the reasons?
(2) Whether her department intends taking any steps to mitigate this; if not, why not; if so, what steps?
THE MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ANSWERS:
(1) No. No study has linked a reduction in fish species and fish numbers to global warming. The global scientific understanding of the effects of global warming on fish stock abundance is poor as it is very difficult to make direct links between the two. This is especially the case with exploited fish stocks, given the removal of fish by fishing which further complicates the picture. In fact, the over-utilisation of marine living resources have been more directly linked to a reduction in fish species and stock numbers. The department's Branch: Marine and Coastal Management is continuing to investigate the possible links between global warming (and other aspects of climate and global change) and fish stock abundance.
(2) Given the above, it is unlikely that mitigation will be possible, and management responses are more likely to be adaptive in nature. Adaptation implies broadening human enterprise to depend on other resources in addition to harvesting of wild fish stocks in order for society to survive in the event of a collapse of marine living resources.
QUESTION NUMBER: 256
DATE PUBLICATION: 29 FEBRUARY 2008
DATE REPLY SUBMITTED: 28 AUGUST 2008
DR J T DELPORT (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY:
Whether the (a) travel costs of the former Deputy President Mr Jacob Zuma to Mauritius and (b) legal costs incurred there are being paid by the Government; if so,
(i) what are the amounts involved and
(ii) why are they being paid?
NW722E
REPLY:
The travel costs for the former Deputy President to Mauritius were not paid by the Government;
As the Deputy President started in response to a similar question previously the State Attorney acts on behalf of the Government with regard to the provision of legal assistance to the former Deputy President Mr Jacob Zuma.
QUESTION NO. 275
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 FEBRUARY 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 5)
Dr Rabinowitz (IFP) to ask the Minister of Health:
(1) Whether, following the injunction by the Minister of Finance in his 2008 Budget Speech, she will ensure that her department monitors and reduces its carbon footprint with immediate effect; if not, why not; if so, how will this be done;
(2) whether it will include the phasing out of glossy publications from all agencies or councils linked to her department; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) what is the estimated cost of all such reports and publications per annum in respect of the (i) Medicines Control Council (MCC), (ii) Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), (iii) SA Institute for Medical Research (SAIMR), (iv) Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), (v) Human Science Research Council (HSRC), (vi) reports on meetings of Minister/Members of Executive Council (Minmec) and (vii) all other working documents of her department;
(3) what kinds of (a) energy are used in all of her department's offices and (b) energy saving measurements are being implemented in those offices? NW794EREPLY:
(1) Yes, the Department has made considerations of the injunction by the Minister of Finance in his 2008 Budget Speech.
(2) The department will undertake a number of measures to ensure that the monitoring and reduction of carbon footprint is implemented, these include using more electronic publishing on both the Departmental website and the Intranet and reduce the use of printing. Publication of circulars and memos to all staff are already done in this manner. All councils linked to the Department will be advised to reduce their carbon footprint by looking into using recycled paper for their publications and using other innovating methods to cut down of glossy paper printing.
(3) (a) Electricity and Gas (Only relatively small quantities in the three (3) laboratories).
(b) On 22 January 2008 a Circular (SCM Circular 2 of 2008) with the following provisions was forwarded to all officials in all the offices:
(i) Lights
If officials are out of the office for more than 20 minutes to switch off all lights. Also to switch off all other lights (passages etc.), except those necessary for security reasons, when the last person leaves for home.
(ii) Air conditioners, fans and heaters
To use air conditioners, fans and heaters only when really necessary and switch off when out of the office. [Excluding server and PABX rooms]
(iii) Urns and kettles
Do not keep urns boiling the whole day.
(iv) Computers and printers
To switch computers, printers and other equipment off when leaving for home.
(v) Lifts
Use the lifts only when necessary (stairs can surely be used for 2 or 3 floors).
QUESTION NO. 281
DATE PUBLISHED: 29 February 2008
DATE SUBMITTED: 18 July 2008Mr J P I Blanché (DA):
(a) What progress has been made to give effect to the recommendations set out in a report tabled by the Portfolio Committee on Public Works on 12 September 2006 (details furnished), (b) which companies have been approached to assist with projects, (c) where will bridges be built, (d) which local companies are involved, (e) what is the estimated costs of the programme and (f) which departments have members serving on the committee?
NW809E
Reply:
As indicated in the Reply to Question 253 last year, the Report has been referred to the Minister of Public Works for her attention as the matters contained therein are within the line function of her Department.
QUESTION NO 282
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 FEBRUARY 2008
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 5)
282. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:
Whether she has signed or will sign a contract with Cuban engineers to (a) train and (b) mentor her department's staff by transferring skills needed; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW810E
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REPLY:
Negotiations are currently underway between the South African and Cuban Governments and it is envisaged that an agreement will be reached by the end of May 2008.
Once the agreement is in place, Cuban engineers will be deployed to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry's Regional offices to mentor officials working in the areas of water resource management and water services. The focus will be specifically on water quality, as well as sanitation.
QUESTION NO. 289
DATE PUBLISHED: 29 February 2008
Mr L B Labuschagne (DA):
(a) When will the annual report on the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (Asgisa) be presented to Parliament and (b) which portfolio committee will be tasked with the oversight responsibility?
NW818E
REPLY
The Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa annual report for 2007 has been tabled in Parliament for information purpose
QUESTION 298
WRITTEN REPLY
DATE OF PUBLICATION: FRIDAY, 29 FEBRAURY 2008
INTERNAL QUESITON PAPER NO.: 5-2008
MOULANA M R SAYEDALI-SHAH (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE
When will his department make the Defence Review update available to the public?
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REPLY
Once Cabinet has finalized its deliberations on the matter, the document will then be tabled before Parliament.