Issued by: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa
In view of the recent press reports about Parliament the following information may be of interest.
1. A Scheduling and Coordination Committee established under Rule 49A has as one of its functions to "...issue guidelines and formulate regulations on the allocation of funds for the purposes of ad hoc and portfolio committees".
This Committee is convened by the Chief Whip of the majority party and includes Whips of all parties. To date this committee has not produced any guidelines on funding for committees. All requests for funding from committees have been referred to this Committee. A speciae Speaker during the winter recess was unable to agree on guidelines for funding, and decided:
(a) that a workshop should be held at the end of the session to reach a common understanding on the functioning of committees, which would provide the basis for the formulation of guidelines. (b) that until the workshop is held, old rules should apply
This workshop, whose programme was worked out in consultation with the Whips is scheduled for 15-16 September.
2. Rule 108 states that the programme of the National Assembly is determined by the Leader of the House. Unlike most other Parliaments the Speaker does not manage the programme or determine what goes on the Order Paper, and is often not even informed of its contents until the Order Paper is printed.
3. The Chief Whips, who meet with the Speaker every two weeks are fully informed of current plans for providing support services to MP's and committees. At the request of the Speaker, Whips have appointed party representatives to finalise these programmes with Parliamentary staff. Additional funds have been secured for these programmes.
4. MP's are expected to be familiar with the Rules of Parliament. The Speaker assumes that Chief Whips keep their members informed about their discussions with the Speaker. The Speaker would expect the Chief Whips to raise any concerns of their members and criticisms with her.
Issued by the Office of the Speaker 7 September 1995