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I have noted the media comment by the Chief Whip of the DP, Mr Gibson that "the Speaker has let Parliament down over the arms enquiry probe".

No member, least of all the Speaker or an Opposition Chief Whip, can ignore the specific content of the decision that has been taken.

The National Assembly agreed that:

"In noting the complex and cross cutting nature of the areas to be investigated, the Committee feels that the investigation would be best served by combining a number of areas of investigative expertise and a number of differing areas of legal competence and authority. It therefore recommends that an exploratory meeting, convened by the Committee, be held within two weeks of the tabling of this report in the National Assembly. The Auditor-General, the Heath Special Investigating Unit, the Public Protector, the Investigating Directorate of Serious Economic Offences and any other appropriate investigative body should be invited, so that the best combination of skills, legal mandates and resources can be found for such an investigation. Once this is established, the Committee will issue an investigation brief to the team for its input.

The Parliamentary Law Adviser has indicated that in his opinion "the Report does not amount to a recommendation to the Executive to refer the matter in question to the Unit for investigation. "

I would be grateful to receive from Mr Gibson any evidence, by way of report or resolution that supports his statement that the house "resolved unanimously on a recommendation to the President. This recommendation was that the Heath Special Investigation Unit, together with a number of other bodies, should be involved in the investigation".

It shows a profound disrespect to the House to suggest that the House does not carefully consider the decision it takes, but may decide one thing while intending something else.

Should the House wish to make a specific recommendation to the President, concerning the nature of the proposed investigation, it is able to do so. In its Report, the Committee stated it would hold an exploratory meeting with the various bodies, and would issue a second report early in 2001. That second report provides the Committee with the opportunity to clarify what further recommendations it wishes to make to Parliament. If adopted these will be conveyed to the President, as indeed was the original report on 10 November 2000.

Contact: Luphumzo Kebeni at 0836583338 or Adrian Louw at 0833216840

Issued by SA Parliament, 19 January 2001