A preamble to the law that regulates the sale of conventional arms states that our country is a responsible member of the international community and will not trade in conventional arms with states engaged in repression, aggression and terrorism. But now it emerges that we've been selling glide bombs to Libya, Mr President, which could be used to deliver nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. We've also been selling multiple grenade launchers to Libya.
Human Rights Watch, HRW, says that Libya has no free press and no independent organisations. Libyans continue to face arrest and torture for expressing peaceful criticism of the government and its undisputed leader. The HRW continues to note that in Libya, rape victims risk prosecution for adultery or fornication if they attempt to press charges.
We call on the Minister to urgently investigate this arms deal that has been authorised by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, NCACC, and to stop the export of weapons if they have not already been delivered. [Applause.]
Can I note, perhaps for the purposes of the next DA speaker, that the topic that has been raised by two DA speakers is equal to anticipation; it's on the Order Paper and on the Question Paper. I'm sure you know that you are not supposed to be discussing that particular question. Can I call on the UCDP.
Madam Deputy Speaker, can I address you on your ruling?
A comment and not a ruling!
I need to say that this is a matter of great importance. We are not aware of any particular Rule that says because a question is on the Order Paper, we are then breaking the Rule of anticipation if we raise it. We were expecting that we would be able to make further statements on this particular matter this afternoon.
It is, in fact, in the Rules that no member shall anticipate the discussion of a matter appearing on the Order Paper, and you know very well that this matter appears on the Order Paper. However, I don't think this should be the point of discussion. I was pointing out that two members, instead of bringing views in broad statements, were talking about the same item, which is a question and also on the Order Paper.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am not aware of the fact that it is on the Order Paper; it certainly is on the Question Paper. In actual fact, we have proposed a motion this afternoon, but it is not yet on the Order Paper.
Mr Ellis, the Question Paper is part of the Order Paper. You know that. Can we move to the UCDP.