friday,6june2008.doc

FRIDAY, 6 JUNE 2008 ____ PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES ____ The Council met at 09:07. The Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation. ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000. NOTICE OF MOTION Mr R J TAU: Chair, I hereby give notice that I shall move on the next sitting day of the Council: That the Council – (1) takes note of the fact that during the Morning Live programme on Friday, 6 June 2008, it was reported that the De Aar area in the Northern Cape has been declared, or is recognised as, the South African capital of foetal alcohol syndrome; (2) notes that there are farms that are still using the “dop system” as a form of payment to farm labourers; (3) further notes that this practice has been declared illegal as expressed in our labour laws; (4) condemns in the strongest possible terms the abuse by farm owners of farmworkers, who are vulnerable, by using the “dop system”; and (5) supports any form of investigation that shall unravel and ensure that those who are responsible for the usage of the “dop system” on the vulnerable, the poor and the workers in these farm areas are brought to book. Thank you. APPROPRIATION BILL (Policy debate) Vote No 14 — Health: The MINISTER OF HEALTH: Chairperson, it is always a pleasure for me to come and interact with members of this House. I would like to recognise my colleague, the MEC from the Eastern Cape, who is here with me today. Hon members, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. May I just mention that in the gallery I have members of my family and friends who have come to support me today. [Applause.] So, it does give me great pleasure to present the national Department of Health’s budget to this House. Whilst the budget largely provides for the operations of the national Department of Health, it also provides for a number of conditional grants which are used by provincial departments of