Before the Secretary reads the first Order of the Day, I would like to make a ruling. I don't see Mr Watson and I don't see Mr Groenewald. The ruling is about Mr Groenewald's motion and the clarity asked for by Mr Watson. Do you want me to put it on hold or can I give the ruling? Will you convey the message? Yes. Okay.
Hon members, I would like to make a ruling on a point of order raised by the hon Watson on a notice of motion moved by the hon H B Groenewald on Wednesday, 19 May 2010. The hon Watson sent me a note enquiring about the impact of the notice, since, according to him, the notice gave figures and facts but ended by calling on the House for an immediate investigation. I indicated that I would make a ruling on the matter at a later stage.
Hon members, I would like to bring to the attention of the House that there is a difference - I'm saying this very slowly now - between a notice of a motion and a motion without notice. There is a difference between the two. A notice of a motion is intended to inform the House that at the next sitting day of the House, a member intends to move the motion. It does not require any decision by the House. A motion without notice, on the other hand, once agreed to by the House, becomes a decision of the House.
This means that any action that is required to be taken would be communicated to the relevant authorities, and a report-back to the House would be expected. I am explaining this to conscientise and to make members aware that if they would like the House to take any steps on any motion, they should move it as a motion without notice in order to afford the House the opportunity to adopt it first.
Therefore, I rule that the notice of motion by Mr Groenewald does not require the House to take any action. Furthermore, as I stopped Mr Groenewald before he could finish reading his motion, the motion should be printed in full on the next Order Paper. That is my ruling. Thank you very much. [Applause.] I hope that will be communicated to Mr Groenewald. You have a copy of the ruling if you want it.