Our department is really not responsible for waste management. That falls under the Department of Energy. But let me just say in respect of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor, PBMR, perspective, it is regarded as possibly the safest of the nuclear reactors, because its technology means it cannot go into a meltdown. So, from that perspective it is regarded as safer than anything else.
In terms of waste management, obviously there is waste generated at Koeberg, and there is medium-risk waste that is sited further away in the Northern Cape. This site is very far away from any local community. I think we have to distinguish between concerns that are raised by residents who live around Pelindaba - and I don't think many of them are well founded - and concerns around waste management, which is in a very remote area and subjected to international protocols. It is not high-risk waste that is stored there, but simply medium-risk waste. Steps taken to promote export opportunities for agricultural products at competitive prices and to protect local grain producers
94. Dr L L BOSMAN (DA) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries:
(1) Whether her department has taken any steps to (a) promote export opportunities for agricultural products and (b) ensure competitive prices for these products on global markets; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps;
(2) whether any mechanisms are used by her department to protect local grain producers from competing against the importation of highly subsidised products from abroad; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1408E
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Chairperson, the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries works closely with the Department of Trade and Industry on the agricultural export promotion drives. We hope to work even closer on export promotion for agricultural products.
Since the phasing out of export subsidy schemes, like the General Export Incentive Scheme of the Department of Trade and Industry, the government does not subsidise exports or prices in any distorting way. There are no direct interventions to ensure that prices are internationally competitive.
The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries has been working very hard for a number of years to lobby international forums to motivate for the elimination of export subsidies because of its distorting effects on trade. The removal of these subsidies will ensure that our products compete on a fair basis. Direct export subsidies will be removed only by 2013, if the Doha Round concludes, and other production subsidies that could result in unfair competition will be reduced.
It is also important to acknowledge that the global trading system is unfair and inequitable, particularly with regard to agricultural products. Trade remedies offer only limited possibilities. The real challenge is to continue to campaign against unfair trade rules. Both the United States and the European Union have recently reinstated export subsidies on dairy products. Thank you.