Minister, you say that these report-backs will be as regular as Parliament would like to have them. Now, with regard to all other departments, Parliament interacts with them at various times of the year in various circles. The only department that does not have that interaction is the Presidency, where the National Planning Commission is situated. Would you not think it would be a good idea to have a portfolio committee that oversees the working of the Presidency and the two commissions that find themselves in that Presidency, especially seeing that they have a budget of R780 million in the Presidency to conduct the business that they are expected to conduct? Then there could be regular interaction with the National Planning Commission.
The MINISTER OF LABOUR (for THE MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION): Chairperson, according to my little experience in Parliament since 1994, if there is any need for a portfolio committee, the Rules of Parliament can decide that.
Progress made, and timeframe regarding implementation of national spatial development plan
84. Dr G W Koornhof (ANC) asked the Minister in the Presidency: National Planning Commission:
(a) What progress has been made to implement a national spatial development plan, with specific reference to (i) coordinating government action to meet social, economic and environmental objectives, (ii) striking a balance between urban and rural development and (iii) identifying areas with demonstrated economic potential most favourable for overcoming poverty and (b) in what timeframe will action plans regarding the abovementioned aspects be implemented to ensure achieving South Africa Vision 2025?