The meeting was nearly scuttled as committee members expressed their displeasure at the absence of the Minister. The committee compromised after a letter of apology from Dr Phillips was read. The briefing was done by Deputy Director-General Nolwazi Gasa. This, hon Minister, was a very important briefing. It was the first meeting of the new portfolio committee, and your no-show was a very serious let down for the other members and me. [Interjections.]