→ House of Assembly → 1971 → MARCH, 1971 → House of Assembly: Vol35 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 1971

House of Assembly: Vol35 - FRIDAY 19 MARCH 1971

FRIDAY, 19TH MARCH, 1971

For oral reply.

Survey i.r.o. aluminium smelter at Richard’s Bay *1. Mr. D. E. MITCHELL

asked the Minister of Water Affairs:

  1. (1) Whether a survey of the processes of the aluminium smelter at Richard’s Bay has been carried out to ascertain if the factory will produce physical or gaseous effluents which are noxious or harmful; if so, by whom; if not, why not;
  2. (2) (a) what State departments are concerned with the abatement of noxious or harmful effluents from this factory and (b) what powers to control, limit or forbid processes leading to the production of such effluents are vested in any State authority.
 The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS:
  1. (1) Yes, a survey was carried out at the request of the Department of Water Affairs by the National Institute for Water Research of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
  2. (2)
    1. (a) The Department of Water Affairs is concerned with the discharge of waste water from this factory. The necessary action is taken after consultation with an ad hoc Committee on which is represented the following bodies:
      1. (1) Department of Water Affairs;
      2. (2) South African Bureau of Standards;
      3. (3) Department of Health;
      4. (4) Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preservation Board;
      5. (5) Town and Regional Planning Board for Natal;
      6. (6) Department of Planning;
      7. (7) Richard’s Bay Village Management Board.
    2. (b) Powers vested in the Department of Water Affairs to control the discharge of waste water are contained in section 21 of the Water Act 54 of 1956 as well as Permit 264B issued to the Company in terms of the said section and which lays down further requirements. The control of gaseous effluents which might cause air pollution is vested in the Department of Health in terms of the Air Pollution Act 54 of 1965.
 Mr. D. E. MITCHELL:

Arising out of the Minister’s reply, can he tell us whether as a result of that research adequate steps have been taken to prevent pollution?

 The MINISTER:

Yes.

 *2. Brig. C. C. VON KEYSERLINGK

—Reply standing over.

 Investment of funds of Motor Vehicle Assurance Fund *3. Mr. S. EMDIN

asked the Minister of Transport:

Whether any funds of the Motor Vehicle Assurance Fund were at at 31st December of 1969 and 1970, respectively, invested in any banking institution registered in terms of the Bank Act, 1965, including any deposits and current account balances, or any building societies registered under the Building Societies Act, 1965, including shares and deposits; if so, (i) in which banking institutions and/or building societies and (ii) for what amounts.

 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT:

Yes

(i) (a)

(ii)

Banking Institution

31 December 1969

31 December 1970

Federal Bank

Nil

500 000.00

Guardian Savings Bank

150 000.00

150 000.00

Koopkrag Savings Bank

500 000.00

500 000.00

Netherlands Bank

1 000 000.00

1 300 000.00

Bank of the O.F.S.

2 050 000.00

510 000.00

National Industrial Credit Corporation

50 000.00

Nil

Rand Bank

3 475 000.00

10 000 000.00

Santam Bank

210 000.00

1 210 000.00

Sasbank

4 250 000.00

4 500 000.00

Trust Bank

3 550 000.00

550 000.00

Volkskas Ltd

3 420 469.18

3 371 825.79

Western Bank

3 200 000.00

7 500 000.00

Bank of Johannesburg

Nil

1 000 000.00

R21 855 469.18

R31 091 825.79

(i) (b)

(ii)

Building Societies

31 December 1969

31 December 1970

Allied J.B.S.

1 945000 00

2 850 000.00

Apex

75 000.00

125 000.00

Eastern Province

100000.00

300 000.00

Grahamstown

100000.00

150 000.00

Greytown

25 000.00

25 000.00

Saambou National

7 500000.00

9 250 000.00

Natal

1000000.00

1 500 000.00

Provincial

125 000.00

175 000.00

Prudential-Equity

300000.00

350 000.00

S.A. Permanent-Perseverance

4 854450.00

5 954 500.00

Southern

925000.00

1 075 000.00

Trident

287000.00

337 000.00

United

1 000000.00

1 500 000.00

Vryheid

50000.00

50 000.00

R18 286 450.00

R23 641 500.00
Mr. S. EMDIN:

Arising out of the reply of the hon. the Deputy Minister, can he tell us whether there is a basis or a formula according to which these amounts are invested with banking institutions and building societies?

 The DEPUTY MINISTER:

The hon. member should please give notice of his question.

 Investment of funds of S.A. Wool Board and Maize Board *4. Mr. S. EMDIN

asked the Minister of Agriculture:

Whether any funds of (a) the South African Wool Board and (b) the Maize Board were as at 31st December of 1969 and 1970, respectively, invested in any banking institution registered in terms of the Bank Act, 1965, including any deposits and current account balances, or any building societies registered under the Building Societies Act, 1965, including shares and deposits; if so, (i) in which banking institutions and/or building societies and (ii) for what amounts.

 The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE:
  1. (a) Yes. The information that is at present readily available pertaining to the end of the Board’s financial years;

(i)

(ii)

30th June, 1969

30th June, 1970

R

R

Santam Bank

250 000

250 000

Sasbank

100 000

100 000

Standard Bank

200 000

200 000

Volkskas Bank

1 050 000

1 050 000

Netherlands Bank

150 000

150 000

National Building Society

690 000

800 000

Saambou Building Society

500 000

800 000
  1. (b) No.
 Appeals against decisions of Publications Control Board re films upheld by Minister of the Interior *5. Mr. E. G. MALAN

asked the Minister of the Interior:

  1. (1) (a) How many times has he upheld, in whole or in part, an appeal against a decision of the Publications Control Board in regard to a film, (b) what was the title of the film in each case, (c) what was the approximate date and (d) what were the reasons for upholding the appeal;
  2. (2) whether any conditions attached to his decision; if so, what conditions;
  3. (3) whether he viewed the film in each case;
  4. (4) whether he was assisted in the viewing; if so, (a) by whom and (b) what were the qualifications of these persons.
 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR:
  1. (1)
    1. (a) Three times.
    2. (b) The Sterile Cuckoo, Lost in the Desert and Three Bullets for a Long Gun.
    3. (c) 26th October, 1970, 18th December, 1970 and 11th March, 1971 respectively.
    4. (d) Because, in the opinion of the Deputy Minister, the Board’s interpretation of the provisions of the Act was too strict in the three cases.
  2. (2) Yes. The Sterile Cuckoo: (i) excisions (a) and (b) must be made as ordered by the Board, (ii) excision (c) as ordered by the Board need not be made and (iii) the prohibition by the Board on the exhibition to persons in the age group 4 to 18 years retained.
    Lost in the Desert: None.
    Three Bullets for a Long Gun: Released for exhibition except to persons in the age group 2 to 16 years and 6 excisions ordered.
  3. (3) Yes.
  4. (4) The Deputy Minister was not assisted in the viewing. The decisions were his own.
    (a) and (b) fall away.
 J. G. Strydom Tower, Hillbrow: Provision of facilities for non-Whites *6. Mr. E. G. MALAN

asked the Minister of Community Development:

  1. (1) On what grounds did his Department object to the provision of facilities for non-Whites in the J. G. Strydom Tower in Hillbrow;
  2. (2) whether his Department suggested alternative facilities for non-Whites in the Tower; if so, (a) what were the suggestions and (b) with what result; if not, why not.
 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) The provision of facilities for non-Whites in the J. G. Strydom Tower would inevitably have resulted in a large concentration of disqualified sections of the population at one specific point in Hillbrow, which is not only the most densely populated White group area in South Africa, but is also inundated with a multitude of social problems.
  2. (2) No. The Department is not prepared to support alternative facilities for non-Whites in the overpopulated White area of Hillbrow.
 *Mr. E. G. MALAN:

What does the hon. the Minister mean by the term “disqualified persons”?

 *The MINISTER:

A “disqualified person” here is a person who is not allowed to stay in that White group area.

 Circulars/Notices issued in official languages by Public Service Commission *7. Mr. W. V. RAW

asked the Minister of the Interior:

How many duplicated internal circulars and notices to departments, excluding printed or public notices, were issued by the Public Service Commission in (a) both official languages, (b) Afrikaans only and (c) English only during 1969 and 1970 respectively.

 The MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR:
  1. (a) In both official languages: 1969—13, 1970—16.
  2. (b) In Afrikaans only: 1969—36, 1970— 29.
  3. (c) In English only: 1969—14, 1970—23.
 Mr. W. V. RAW:

Arising out of the Minister’s reply, is it then not the policy of the Public Service Commission to publish everything in both languages?

 The MINISTER:

I shall investigate that and let the hon. member know.

 Alleged assault by senior Railway official of colleague in Durban *8. Mr. W. V. RAW

asked the Minister of Transport:

  1. (1) Whether any employee or former employee of the South African Railways in Durban alleged during 1969 or 1970 that he had been assaulted by a senior official; if so, (a) when was the offence (i) alleged to have occurred, (ii) reported and (iii) investigated, (b) how was it investigated and (c) what were the findings;
  2. (2) whether any disciplinary action was taken.
 The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT:
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a)
      1. (i) 21st February, 1970.
      2. (ii) 21st February, 1970, to the Railway Police.
      3. (iii) Investigations were instituted on 22nd February, 1970.
    2. (b) In the normal manner by the Railway Police, and later by the Assistant System Manager, Durban.
    3. (c) The Senior Public Prosecutor, Durban, before whom the docket was placed, declined to prosecute, but recommended departmental action. The matter was thereafter investigated by the Assistant System Manager, who found the action of the officer concerned to have been injudicious.
  2. (2) No.
 Mr. W. V. RAW:

Arising out of the reply of the hon. the Deputy Minister, could he tell us what the nature of the offence was? Was it a question of assault?

 *The DEPUTY MINISTER:

Unfortunately I have no indication as to what the nature of the offence was.

 Mr. W. V. RAW:

Would the hon. the Deputy Minister say I am incorrect when I say that this was a case of assault of a senior official against a junior official?

 The DEPUTY MINISTER:

All I can say in reply is that if it were a case of assault, steps would have been taken accordingly.

 Flats in Golden Sands, formerly Kangelani, Durban *9. Mr. W. V. RAW

asked the Minister of Community Development:

  1. (1) Whether all flats in the original block of Golden Sands, formerly Kangelani, in Durban are subject to rent control; if so,
  2. (2) whether these flats may be sub-let, except in terms of section 33 (1) (i) of the Rents Act, at rentals higher than those determined by the Rent Board.
 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) Yes.
  2. (2) No.
 Availability of State-owned land for purposes of S.A. Bantu Trust *10. Mr. T. G. HUGHES

asked the Minister of Agriculture:

How much State-owned land in each province is available and capable of being used for meeting the quota of land to be provided in terms of section 10 of the Bantu Trust and Land Act of 1936.

 The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE:

State land cannot be made available to the South African Bantu Trust arbitrarily and this question can only be answered after a final decision has been reached regarding the consolidation of Bantu areas. This matter, however, does not rest with me.

 *11. Mr. W. G. KINGWILL

—Reply standing over.

 *12. Mr. W. G. KINGWILL

—Reply standing over.

 New abattoirs for major centres *13. Mr. W. G. KINGWILL

asked the Minister of Agriculture:

Whether new abattoirs are to be built at (a) Johannesburg, (b) Pretoria and (c) Durban; if so, when will building be commenced.

 The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE:

(a), (b) and (c) Yes. Preparations have already started on (a) and actual building operations are expected to commence early during 1972. Planning is in progress in respect of (b) and (c).

 *Mr. S. J. M. STEYN:

Could the hon. the Minister tell us whether any delays in the construction of abattoirs have been caused because of the refusal by the State to provide the cities in question with capital?

 *The MINISTER:

No, not for that reason.

 Staff position i.r.o. customs offices in major ports *14. Mr. L. F. WOOD

asked the Minister of Finance:

  1. (1) Whether steps have been taken to augment the customs staff in the ports of (a) Durban, (b) Cape Town, (c) Port Elizabeth and (d) East London; if so, to what extent; if not, why not;
  2. (2) how many vacancies are there at each port at present.
 The MINISTER OF FINANCE:
  1. (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d) No—the number of posts which have been created for the customs and excise offices at Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London is considered to be adequate and no steps are therefore being taken to augment the establishments concerned. The Department is, however, constantly endeavouring to fill vacant posts.

(2)

Durban

32

Cape Town

9

Port Elizabeth

6

East London

2
Simultaneous elections for House of Assembly and provincial councils *15. Mr. J. D. DU P. BASSON

asked the Minister of the Interior:

  1. (1) Whether a departmental committee has investigated the possibility of having general elections for the House of Assembly and provincial councils on the same day; if so,
  2. (2) whether the committee has submitted proposals to him;
  3. (3) whether he intends to introduce legislation in regard to the matter during the present Session;
  4. (4) whether he is contemplating any further steps in this regard; if so, what steps.
 The MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR:
  1. (1) No.
  2. (2) Falls away.
  3. (3) and (4) The matter is under consideration and a statement will be made in due course.
 Acquisition of Non Pareil, Dal Josafat, Paarl *16. Mr. L. G. MURRAY

asked the Minister of Community Development:

  1. (1) Whether a property known as Non Pareil, Dal Josafat, Paarl has been acquired by his Department; if so, (a) when, (b) from whom, (c) what was the purchase price and/or compensation paid and (d) what is the ultimate intended use to be made of the property;
  2. (2) whether the property is let at present; if so, (a) for what purpose and (b) for what rental.
 The MINISTER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
  1. (1) Yes.
    1. (a) 20th March, 1970.
    2. (b) Mr. J. H. J. Schoeman and Mrs. P. M. Schoeman.
    3. (c) R401 915.24.
    4. (d) For the housing of Coloureds.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) For bona fide farming purposes.
    2. (b) R3 100 per annum.
 *17. Mr. L. G. MURRAY

—Reply standing over.

 *18. Mr. L. F. WOOD

—Reply standing over.

 *19. Mr. L. F. WOOD

—Reply standing over.

Reply standing over from Tuesday, 16th March, 1971

Dept. of Community Development: Police investigations into activities of certain officials

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE replied to Question *13, by Mr. L. E. D. Winchester.

Question:
  1. (1) Whether Police investigations into the activities of certain officials of the Department of Community Development have been completed; if so,
  2. (2) whether any further action is contemplated; if so, when.
 Reply:
  1. (1) Presumably the hon. member refers to police investigations in the Province of Natal. If so, the answer is yes.
  2. (2) No.

For written reply:

Development of proposed Coloured townships at Mamre/Bokbaai 373. Mr. L. E. D. WINCHESTER

asked the Minister of Planning:

  1. (1) Whether his Department has formulated or contemplates formulating any plans for the development of townships or towns in the vicinity of Mamre and/or Bokbaai on the Atlantic coast or any other bay in that vicinity; if so,
  2. (2) whether such township development will be in addition to or in substitution of further development for Coloured persons on the Cape Flats;
  3. (3) whether there is an adequate supply of potable water in this neighbourhood;
  4. (4) (a) what facilities exist in respect of rail and road transport in the area and (b) what future developments in this direction are contemplated.
 The MINISTER OF PLANNING:
  1. (1) Certain farms adjacent to the Mamré Rural Coloured Area have been investigated by the Group Areas Board as possible Coloured group areas. In due course I shall consider the Board’s recommendations and decide on the issue of a proclamation or otherwise. If an area is proclaimed it is the intention thereafter to formulate plans for the development of towns for Coloured persons in that area, both inland and on the Atlantic Coast. This is a function of the Department of Community Development.
  2. (2) Such township development will be in addition to that on the Cape Flats.
  3. (3) Yes. The water pipe lines from Voëlvlei Dam to Cape Town and Darling pass in the vicinity.
  4. (4)
    1. (a) The nearest rail facilities from the Mamre complex are on the Kraaifontein—Kalbaskraal— Darling railway line, whilst a tarred road connects Mamre with Cape Town. Bus services are also provided from Mamre to Cape Town and Darling.
    2. (b) A proposed provincial road will pass through the advertised areas and the route of the proposed new national road may pass east of the Mamre complex. If large scale residential development should take place, improved rail facilities may be expected.
 Accident Fund in terms of Workmen’s Compensation Act 425. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Labour:

  1. (1) (a) What amount was received during 1970 by the Accident Fund established in terms of the Workmen’s Compensation Act and (b) how much was received in respect of (i) contributions, (ii) interest and (ii) any other source of income;
  2. (2) (a) what amount was paid from the Fund during 1970 and (b) how much was paid in (i) awards and (ii) administrative costs;
  3. (3) (a) how many awards are unclaimed and (b) what is the value of the unclaimed awards.
 The MINISTER OF LABOUR:
  1. (1)
    1. (a) R25 227 393.
    2. (b)
      1. (i) R21 677 504 (by way of assessments levied on employers).
      2. (ii) R2 872 953.
      3. (iii) R676 936.
  2. (2)
    1. (a) R28 988 771 (this figure includes an amount of R8 342 095 paid out in merit rebates for the 1965/67 cycle).
    2. (b)
      1. (i) R18 233 494.
      2. (ii) R1 890 915.
  3. (3) For the full period since the establishment of the Accident Fund the figures are as follows—
    1. (a) approximately 144 000.
    2. (b) R2 016 686.

The figures in (1) and (2) are still subject to audit.

 Indians in receipt of pensions, grants, etc. 436. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Indian Affairs:

(a) How many Indians are receiving (i) old age pension, (ii) blind person’s pension, (iii) war veteran’s pension, (iv) disability grants and (v) maintenance grants and (b) what is the maximum basic pension payable in each category of social pension.

 The MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:
  1. (a)
    1. (i) 9 961.
    2. (ii) 159.
    3. (iii) 143.
    4. (iv) 8 013.
    5. (v) 8 557.
  2. (b)
    1. (i) R 16.50 per month.
    2. (ii) R 16.50 per month.
    3. (iii) R21.50 per month.
    4. (iv) R16.50 per month.
    5. (v) R15.00 plus a bonus of R14.25 per month.
 Houses for Indian aged and children 437. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Indian Affairs:

  1. (1) How many homes for Indian (a) aged, (b) physically handicapped, (c) mentally retarded and (d) children are there in the Republic;
  2. (2) (a) how many of the homes in each category are (i) State homes and (ii) administered by welfare organizations, (b) where are the homes situated and (c) how many persons are accommodated in each.
 The MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:
  1. (1)
    1. (a) 2.
    2. (b) Nil.
    3. (c) Nil.
    4. (d) 6.
  2. (2)
    1. (a)
      1. (i) Nil.
      2. (ii) Two homes for the aged and six children’s homes.
    2. (b) Homes for the aged
      One in Durban and one in Pietermaritzburg.
      Children’s Homes
      Four in Durban, one in Pietermaritzburg and one in Johannesburg.

(c) Aryan Benevolent Home for the Aged, Durban

39

Aryan Benevolent Home for the Aged, Pietermaritzburg

13

Lakehaven Children’s Home, Durban

40

Aryan Benevolent Children’s Home, Durban

87

M. A. Motala Lads Hostel, Durban

20

Westhaven Children’s Home, Durban

40

Sunlit Gardens Children’s Home, Pietermaritzburg

60

Waterval Islamic Institute, Johannesburg

180
White and Indian social workers employed in Dept of Indian Affairs 438. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the Minister of Indian Affairs:

  1. (1) How many (a) White and (b) Indian qualified social workers are employed in his Department;
  2. (2) whether a subsidy is paid in respect of the salaries of social workers in the employ of welfare organizations; if so, (a) on what basis and (b) what is the maximum subsidy paid.
 The MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:
  1. (1) (a) 2. (b) 13.
  2. (2) Yes.
    1. (a) One notch below the commencing salary of qualified social workers employed by the State.
    2. (b) R1 650 per annum in respect of males.
      R1 560 per annum in respect of females.
 Subsidies paid i.r.o. homes for Indian aged and committed children 439. Mr. G. N. OLDFIELD

asked the

Minister of Indian Affairs:

Whether a subsidy is paid to welfare organizations administering homes for the (a) aged, (b) frail and infirm aged, (c) physically disabled, (d) mentally retarded and (e) committed children; if so, (i) on what basis and (ii) to what extent.

 The MINISTER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS:
  1. (a) Yes.
  2. (b) Yes.
  3. (c) No such homes.
  4. (d) No such homes.
  5. (e) Yes.
    1. (i) and (ii)
      1. (a) A per capita subsidy of R2.50 per month.
      2. (b) A per capita subsidy of R8.50 per month.
      3. (c) Not applicable.
      4. (d) Not applicable.
      5. (e) A per capita subsidy of R11.00 per month for an ordinary child and R13.00 per month for a deviate child.

Note:

Apart from the per capita subsidies mentioned above, the following other subsidies are payable:

  1. (i) In respect of old age homes, 75 per cent of the approved costs on furniture and equipment.
  2. (ii) In respect of children’s homes, a special grant of 50 per cent of the approved costs of renovations and extensions to existing buildings and the purchase of furniture and equipment.