House of Assembly: Vol35 - FRIDAY 11 JUNE 1971
For oral reply:
asked the Minister of National Education:
Who are the owners of the land leased at Silverton by the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
The Government.
asked the Minister of Economic Affairs:
- (1) Whether an application has been received for the establishment of a manufacturing plant for commercial vehicles at Newcastle, Natal; if so, (a) from whom, (b) who are the directors of the company, (c) what is the name and country of domicile of the parent company and (d) what is the capital involvement of the plant;
- (2) whether the plant is to establish its own foundry for the casting of engine blocks;
- (3) whether the Government intends to subsidize this plant; if so, (a) what will the Government’s contribution be and (b) what percentage of local content will be laid down;
- (4) whether the Government intends to subsidize other motor manufacturers who wish to establish manufacturing plants in the Republic.
- (1) No. (a), (b), (c) and (d) fall away.
- (2), (3) and (4) fall away.
asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether any contracts have been entered into with the proprietors of a manufacturing plant for commercial vehicles to be established at Newcastle, Natal, for the supply of heavy vehicles to (a) the South African Railways and (b) other Government departments; if so, what contracts.
- (a) In so far as the South African Railways is concerned, contracts for the supply of heavy commercial vehicles, viz. country passenger vehicles, goods vehicles, mechanical horses and intercity and tourist coaches, have been entered into with the various firms in the Transvaal and Port Elizabeth. It is not known, however, whether a plant for the manufacture of heavy vehicles is to be established by any of these firms at Newcastle.
- (b) No.
asked the Minister of Economic Affairs:
- (1) Whether it is the intention of the Government that the differential profit accruing to the importer of fully assembled vehicles from Japan, as compared with locally manufactured vehicles, shall be passed on to the consumer; if not.
- (2) whether this profit will accrue to the Government; if not, to whom.
- (1) At this stage I have no evidence to presume that the importer will realize any material profit on the fully assembled vehicles from Japan, in comparison with locally manufactured vehicles. However, having regard to prevailing conditions in the market for passenger cars, I am of the opinion that the public will benefit, directly or indirectly, from any profit that may accrue;
- (2) Falls away.
asked the Minister of Health:
- (1) Whether the Valkenberg Hospital has been visited and inspected by (a) him or (b) any of his officials during the past twelve months;
- (2) whether any plans have been made for improving (a) the condition of the hospital buildings, (b) the working conditions of the staff and (c) the accommodation provided for patients; if so, (i) what plans and (ii) when will these plans be implemented.
- (1) (a) and (b) Yes. I as well as several senior officials of my Department.
- * (2) (a), (b) and (c) Yes. Apart from the usual renovation and maintenance services undertaken by the Department of Public Works, various services have, at the request of my Department, been included in the minor works programme of that Department for execution during the present and ensuing financial year. In addition, certain services have also been included in the major works programme. Details are as follows: Minor works, additional to those already completed or included in the maintenance programme, and which appear on the 1972-’73 programme:
- (i) The provision of sleeping facilities for boiler attendant at the Coloured Section.
- (ii) The division of Sections 3 and 5 in order to effect a better classification of patients according to age.
- (iii) The provision of toilet facilities and showers at recreational amenities.
Major works. The erection of:
- (i) A training school for Whites— Tender date, 1st January, 1972.
- (ii) Two prefabricated buildings for 60 White patients—Tender date, 1st April, 1972.
- (iii) Prefabricated buildings for 240 Coloured patients—Tender date, 1st July, 1971.
- (iv) Out-patients’ Department for Coloureds—Tender date, 1st July, 1971.
The following services were recently completed at the hospital:
- (a) Sun shelters at the White Section.
- (b) Changing-rooms with facilities at the sports grounds for Whites and non-Whites.
- (c) Verandahs of Wards 1 and 4 have been glassed in and equipped with adjustable louvres.
- (d) The re-surfacing of roads at the Section for Whites.
In addition to the above, the following services are contemplated, but it is not possible at this stage to indicate when they will be commenced with, as this largely depends on the availability of the necessary funds:
- (a) The provision of an admission block for 50 White patients with facilities for specialist and out-patient services.
- (b) The replacement of three condemned wards for Whites.
- (c) The conversion, after completion of the services referred to in (a) and (b) above, of the vacated wards into facilities for personnel such as offices for medical officers, library, reading and conference rooms, a cafeteria for personnel as well as additional recreational facilities for patients.
* Para (2) et seq laid upon the Table with the leave of the House.
asked the Minister of Health:
What are the salary scales for (a) White and (b) Coloured (i) male charge nurses, nurses and auxiliaries and (ii) sisters, female nurses and auxiliaries, respectively, employed at the Valkenberg Hospital.
- (a) Whites:
- (i) Charge male nurse: R2 700x150—4 200.
Male nurse: R2 280 —2 400X 150 —3 450.
Auxiliary nurse (enrolled): R1 440x120—2 400x150—3 150. - (ii) Senior Sister: R2 700x150—4 200.
Sister (nurse): R2 280—2 400X 150—3 450.
Auxiliary nurse (enrolled): R1 440x120—2 280.
- (i) Charge male nurse: R2 700x150—4 200.
- (b) Coloureds:
- (i) Male nurse: R1 290x90—1 920.
- (ii) Sister: R1 470x90—1 920.
Nurse: R1 200x90—1 740.
The introduction of ranks of charge male nurse and auxiliary nurse (enrolled) for Coloureds, is at present receiving attention.
asked the Minister of Health:
Whether accommodation is provided for all the members of the staff at the Valkenberg Hospital; if not, (a) for which members and (b) for how many is accommodation provided and (c) what transport facilities are provided for those not accommodated at the hospital.
No.
- (a) One senior psychiatrist, five State medical officers, one administrative officer, one head male nurse, one charge male nurse, one male nurse, one foreman and one artisan.
- (b) As indicated under (a).
- (c) Municipal transport is specially provided for the conveyance of nursing staff at the usual tariffs from a central point to and from the hospital. Other staff members make their own arrangements for transport.
asked the Minister of the Interior:
- (1) On what date was an application for a visa for Mrs. Katherine Wei (a) received and (b) granted;
- (2) whether there was any delay in granting the application; if so, for what reason.
- (1)
- (a) 15th April, 1971.
- (b) 26th April, 1971.
- (2) No.
asked the Minister of Community Development:
- (1) Whether his Department has acquired land in Durban bounded by Cowey, Sydenham, Avondale and Madras Roads; if so, (a) when and (b) for what purpose;
- (2) whether this land will be offered for sale to the public; if so, (a) when and (b) in what manner.
- (1) Yes.
- (a) 1966.
- (b) To clear up the depressed area, of which it formed part, in the interests of the community.
- (2) The Community Development Board received applications from a Church society, a women’s association and the Public Servants’ Association to purchase the land for the purpose of erecting three projects, viz. a home for the aged, a youth centre and flats for public servants. Approval in principle for these purposes was granted as far back as 1968 and the Board does not, therefore, propose to sell the land to the public.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
- (1) Whether he had, in terms of section 14 of Act 55 of 1965, assigned any powers or duties, respectively, to any officer in the employment of the State in relation to the transaction concerning the purchase by the State of (a) the remaining extent of portion 7 of the farm Witkoppie 64 IR, district of Kempton Park, and (b) portion 134 (a portion of portion 10) of the said farm, from the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty.) Limited, as described in the Commission of Inquiry’s Report, R.P. 42—’71; if so, (i) (aa) to whom and (bb) when were such powers and duties, respectively, assigned, (ii) what were the exact terms of assignation of such powers and such duties, respectively, and (iii) (aa) to whom and (bb) by what medium was such assignation communicated;
- (2) whether such assignation was published for (a) public and (b) governmental or departmental information; if so, (i) where and (ii) through what medium in each case; if not, why not in each case.
- (1) No; not in relation to the specific transaction, but in general.
- (i)
- (aa) The incumbents of the posts for Agricultural Credit and Land Tenure and Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Credit and Land Tenure.
- (bb) 28th July, 1969.
- (ii) To expropriate any property for public purposes or to take the right to use temporarily any property for public purposes in terms of section 2 of the Expropriation Act, 1965 (Act No. 55 of 1965).
- (iii)
- (aa) Falls away.
- (bb) By way of a Special General Power of Attorney.
- (i)
- (2) (a) and (b) No.
- (i) (ii) The Special General Power of Attorney was registered in the different deeds offices.
Arising from the hon. the Minister’s reply, when these powers were assigned, was a differentiation made in terms of the Act between the duties and the powers which were assigned to these gentlemen?
No, only the powers are involved here. In the case of the duties, the Minister tells them what to do in certain instances. In other words, if something straightforward has to be handled, they do not approach the Minister, but if the matter to be dealt with is not straightforward, they must bring it to the attention of the Minister.
Further arising from the reply, do I understand from the hon. the Minister that he did not assign any of his duties to these people, but only powers to expropriate?
Of course.
asked the Minister of Justice:
- (1) Whether the Government has considered the question raised in paragraph 238 of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into a Land Transaction between the State and the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty.) Ltd. [R.P. 42—’71]; if so, when; if not, why not;
- (2) whether any decision has been taken in this regard; if so, (a) when and (b) what decision; if not, why not;
- (3) whether the decision was conveyed to the Attorney-General; if so, (a) to which Attorney-General, (b) on what date and (c) with what result; if not, why not;
- (4) whether any prosecutions in respect of this matter are contemplated; if so, (a) against whom and (b) for what offences; if not, why not.
- (1) Yes, on 22nd January, 1971, when the report was submitted for the first time to the Prime Minister.
- (2) Yes.
- (a) 22nd January, 1971.
- (b) To refer the report to the Attorney-General for such steps as he may consider necessary.
- (3) Yes.
- (a) The Attorney-General of the Transvaal.
- (b) 25th January, 1971.
- (3) (c), (4), (4) (a) and (4) (b) The Attorney-General has indicated that the investigation is an extensive one and that he has not yet come to a final decision.
asked the Minister of Police:
- (1) Whether any matters referred to in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into a Land Transaction between the State and the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty.) Ltd. [R.P. 42—’71] are being investigated by the South African Police; if so, (a) what matters, (b) when did the investigations begin and (c) when are they expected to be concluded;
- (2) whether any instructions were received for such investigations to be instituted; if so, (a) from whom and (b) when were the instructions received; if not, at whose instigation were the investigations commenced.
- (1) Yes.
- (a) All aspects and transactions which may possibly result in a criminal charge are being investigated.
- (b) During September, 1970.
- (c) Owing to the nature and extent of the investigation, it is impossible at this stage to say when it will be completed.
- (2) Yes.
- (a) From the Secretary to the Prime Minister through the Commissioner of the South African Police.
- (b) During September, 1970.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
How many lbs. of margarine were (a) permitted to be manufactured in, (b) actually manufactured in, (c) imported into and (d) exported from the Republic during each year since 1960 and the first five months of 1971.
Years (July to June)
(a) |
(b) |
|
lbs |
lbs |
|
1959-’60 |
17 500 000 |
14 573 887 |
1960-’61 |
17 500 000 |
15 571 744 |
1961-’62 |
16 150 000 |
15 149 315 |
1962-’63 |
16 450 000 |
15 686 322 |
1963-’64 |
17 450 000 |
16 262 576 |
1964-’65 |
22 250 000 |
19 812 340 |
1965-’66 |
24 150 000 |
23 642 063 |
1966-’67 |
28 650 000 |
28 091 936 |
1967-’68 |
31 800 000 |
30 673 601 |
1968-’69 |
37 880 000 |
35 085 332 |
1969-’70 |
41 688 000 |
35 163 562 |
(1st July to 30th April) |
||
m. tons |
m. tons |
|
1970-71 |
19 345 |
14 088 |
- (c) Nil.
- (d) Not available. The export of margarine is not subject to restrictions.
asked the Minister of Planning:
How many applications for permits to (a) purchase and (b) occupy property in the area of Cliffdale, in the magisterial district of Camperdown, defined in terms of section 18 (3) of Act 36 of 1966, have been (i) received, (ii) approved and (iii) refused in respect of each race group since the proclamation of such controlled area.
- (a)
- (i) Four from Whites and one from an Indian.
- (ii) Four to Whites and one to an Indian.
- (iii) Nil.
- (b)
- (i) Two from Whites and 25 from Indians.
- (ii) Two to Whites and nine to Indians.
- (iii) Nil to Whites and 14 to Indians. (Two applications from Indians are still under consideration.)
asked the Minister of Water Affairs:
- (1) Whether further consideration has been given to the application by the Mondi Valley Paper Company to establish a pulp mill at Mondi in Natal;
- (2) whether a permit has been issued to this or any other company to extract water from the Umzimkulu River for that purpose; if so, on what conditions; if not,
- (3) whether the matter is still under consideration; if so, what further factors are being considered.
- (1) No.
- (2) No.
- (3) No.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
(a) What are the names of the two professors of geology who assessed the value of the land involved in the transaction between the State and the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty.) Limited and (b) to which universities were they attached at the time.
- (a) As mentioned in paragraph 223 of Report R.P. 42/1971, the two persons who drew up the report on the value of the clay deposits were Professor B. V. Lombaard and Mr. S. H. Behr.
- (b) They were not attached to any university at the time.
asked the Minister of the Interior:
- (1) (a) When was Mr. Hercules Johannes Viljoen appointed as Secretary for Agricultural Credit and Land Tenure and (b) what position did he hold before this appointment;
- (2) whether his appointment was recommended by the Public Service Commission; if not, by whom was it recommended or effected;
- (3) whether Mr. Viljoen was the most senior official available for this appointment; if not, how many other officials did he supersede
- (1)
- (a) 1st May, 1969.
- (b) Deputy Secretary in the Department of Agricultural Credit and Land Tenure.
- (2) No. The State President.
- (3) No. Two
—Reply standing over.
asked the Prime Minister:
- (1) On what date did he receive the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into a Land Transaction between the State and the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty.) Ltd.;
- (2) whether any action was taken as a result of this report; if so, (a) what action and (b) on what date; if not, why not.
- (1) I wish to refer the hon. member to my reply on the 2nd February, 1971, to a similar question by the hon. member for Orange Grove.
- (2) The hon. member is referred to the reply by the hon. the Minister of Justice this morning to the question put to him by the hon. member for Durban North.
Arising out of the reply of the hon. the Minister, could I ask him why no steps were taken to deprive the official mentioned in paragraph 52 et seq of the report, of his passport while investigations by the Police were proceeding?
The hon. member must table that question.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
- (1) Whether he received a copy of the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into a Land Transaction between the State and the firm Kempton Park Brick and Tile (Pty) Ltd.; if so, on what date;
- (2) whether the references in this report to certain officials of the Department of Agricultural Credit and Land Tenure and the chairman of the Land Tenure Board came to his notice;
- (3) whether any action was taken in respect of these persons; if so, what action; if not, why not.
- (1) Yes. On 25th January, 1971.
- (2) Yes.
- (3) Yes. Messrs. Todd and Venter have already been transferred to other sections of the Department. The Chairman of the Land Tenure Board had already retired on reaching the superannuation age before the report was received. No further steps are contemplated, pending the decision of the Attorney-General.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
What was or is the cost of the premises of the head office and other offices occupied by the Dairy Industry Control Board.
Cost of head office building, R87 367.
asked the Minister of Agriculture:
- (1) Whether the Milk Board or any other board concerned with dairy products is building or intends to build a new office block; if so, (a) where is it to be erected and (b) what is the estimated total cost;
- (2) whether the services of any architects who had been commissioned were subsequently terminated; if so, (a) for what reason, (b) what fees were paid or payable to them, (c) what percentage of such costs was wasted costs, (d) who has been commissioned to replace them and (e) at what stage of planning did the new architects take over.
- (1) Yes; intends to build.
- (a) Belvedere Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
- (b) R570 000. It should be noted that tenders have not yet been invited.
- (2) No; but, for the purposes of obtaining ministerial approval, the Board requested architects to assist it in getting an estimate of the costs to erect a building which would suit the requirements of the Board.
- (a) Not applicable. No architect was appointed by the Board at that stage, but the architects referred to under (2) above assumed that they were appointed after preliminary discussions with the management of the Board concerning the erection of a building.
- (b) R4 500 being costs incurred to acquire the property and obtain the consent of the city council to erect an office block in the specific area and also in respect of their estimate of the building costs as well as for work done prior to the purchase of the relative stand.
- (c) Nil.
- (d) The Board appointed Messrs. Daneel Smit and Viljoen as its architects. This appointment did not constitute a replacement of architects, as no previous appointment was made.
- (e) Not applicable.
Arising from the reply of the hon. the Minister, may I ask him whether the amount he mentioned, which was paid to the architects, was paid after litigation, and whether any legal fees were involved?
Will the hon. member please put that question on the Order Paper.
Mr. Chairman, the question reads: “Whether the Milk Board or any other board concerned is building or intends to build a new office block.” The reply of the hon. the Minister was: “Yes.” Could he please indicate which board contemplates such an office block?
The Milk Board.
Reply standing over from Tuesday, 8th June, 1971
The MINISTER OF PLANNING (for the Minister of Community Development) replied to Question *9, by Mr. L. E. D. Winchester.
Whether his Department approved any tenders submitted to the Newcastle Municipality for the erection of 100 houses; if so, (a) what were the names of the construction companies who submitted tenders and (b) what was the tender price in each case.
The National Housing Commission, an autonomous statutory body, accepted the lowest of two tenders submitted by Bester Wonings in 1970 on the strong recommendation of the Local Authority.
(a) |
(b) |
C. Rudolph |
R550 000 |
Bester Wonings |
R570 790 |
Bester Wonings |
R589 290 |
Du Plessis and Liebenberg |
R606 566 |
Lofty’s Construction |
R641 563 |
W. Vermeulen |
R589 363 |
The firm which submitted the lowest tender was unknown to the Department, but the Local Authority indicated that it had not found the work of this firm to be satisfactory, and that the Department would have to accept responsibility for any losses which may result should the lowest tender be accepted.
For written reply:
asked the Minister of Finance:
What rate of excise or other duties is levied on sedans being imported from Japan in a fully built up condition.
Excise duty: Nil.
Customs duty: The customs duty on assembled motor-cars imported from Japan is based on the value for customs duty purposes and the mass of such cars, the rate of duty being:
45 per cent ad valorem and in addition, in respect of each full R100 in excess of a value for duty purposes of R1 000 for each motor-car, 2 per cent ad valorem and in addition thereto, in respect of each full 45 kg in excess of a mass of 1 135 kg for each motor-car, 1 per cent ad valorem with a maximum of the total duty of 100 per cent ad valorem.
Sales duty: In the case of motor-cars with a value for sales duty purposes not exceeding R2 050—10 per cent ad valorem.
In other cases—15 per cent ad valorem.