Chair, I have a point of order.
Deputy Minister, I will first recognise the hon Kilian, and thereafter, I will take your point of order.
Chairperson, I am not 100% sure what our decision was on the report. I have interacted with the Chief Whip - that is, on the previous debate - and there was a common understanding that the committee would include the details in the report and bring it back to the National Assembly. Is that the common understanding?
Which report are you referring to, hon member?
I am referring to the report that was tabled as the Second Order.
No, we are busy with the Fourth Order, hon member. We are done with the Second Order.
I just wanted clarity about what the decision was there.
Order, hon members! We concluded the Second Order, but as a courtesy, I will consult with the Table and we will inform you accordingly. I now recognise the hon Fubbs. I beg your pardon, hon member; hon Deputy Minister.
Chairperson, my understanding is that there are three options when a division is called. You either press the green, the red or the yellow button, but you cannot just press any button. I do not understand how we can have more than five people in the opposition, yet there are 181 in favour and only five noes. It means that certain people did not indicate their preference and I don't think that is correct. They have to actually indicate it. They cannot simply press any button.
Point taken, Deputy Minister. Hon members, it is quite possible that some of the opposition members have voted in favour of the Bill. Because of that, hon Deputy Minister, it is very difficult from here to make a determination that certain members did not press their buttons. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt as far as that is concerned. Hon members, let us continue. I now recognise the hon Fubbs.
Good afternoon, hon Chairperson and members of this House. The House has, of course, already adopted this Bill and ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members!
The Special Economic Zones Bill is a section 76 Bill, and it went to the National Council of Provinces, which made two amendments. It came back to us in the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry of the National Assembly. Both those amendments were concurred with and we brought them back to you. Essentially, what are these amendments, which were passed unanimously by the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry?
The first amendment was simply at the request of the select committee of the NCOP that the customs authorities should aim to align the text of the Bill with their practices. Very understandably, this amendment is about the omission of the word "import" from the phrase "customs import procedures" in clause 24, as the customs authorities apply more than just simply customs import procedures to imported goods. Other customs procedures may also be applicable. This amendment is not substantive and can easily be agreed to. It is purely, as it were, a clearer understanding of the English language. The second amendment is the addition of a delegation to the Minister to make regulations related to governance. As we know, the House and the whole of Parliament are very concerned about strengthening the governance of our institutions and our legislation. So, it relates to the governance of the special economic zone entities. Although the Bill already provides for governance procedures, this delegation is simply to ensure ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! I can hardly hear the speaker.
... that the set-up and operations of these entities are properly governed in accordance with preset norms and standards.
This amendment is also not substantive and can easily be agreed to, which, of course, the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry did. All the parties - the ANC, Cope, FF Plus - were present and in unanimous agreement, and the amendments are accordingly put before this House for adoption. The ANC is obviously in full support. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Chairperson, I move:
That the Bill be passed.
Motion agreed to.
Bill accordingly passed.