Chairperson, the Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Bill that is before this august House here today was introduced early this year into Parliament whereby public hearings were conducted, and submissions were made by the farming community, the bioresearch organisations and academic associations.
The Bill was then referred to the select committee of this august House whereupon this committee scrutinised this Bill and worked on it extensively.
The objective of the Bill is to amend the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, Act 15 of 1997, to comply with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety pertaining to genetically modified organisms to which South Africa is party.
The Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen existing laws and to ensure that South Africa complies with the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, Act 15 of 1997, provides for the measures to provide the responsible development, production, use and application of genetically modified organisms.
Furthermore, the Bill attempts to ensure that all activities involving the use of genetically modified organisms are carried out in such a way as to limit possible harmful consequences to our environment and to human and animal health.
In summary, the Bill seeks, amongst others, firstly, to provide for the establishment of an executive council for genetically modified organisms and other matters relating to the composition and functioning of this entity. Secondly, it also aims to amplify the powers and duties of the registrar and to provide for the establishment of an advisory committee. Thirdly, it aims to clarify the procedures relating to the application for and issuing of permits and to provide for risk assessments and liability determinations.
The Bill also amends required information contemplated in the confidentiality clause and lays down criteria with regard to offences, and it also provides for certain procedures during an appeal process that would have to take place. In summary, the foremost purpose of the Bill is to ensure that the development, production, use and application of these products is carried out in a safe and responsible manner.
The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was before this House and it furthermore deals with the following issues, and this particular Bill emanates from that convention. The objective of that convention is to enhance the protection of our biodiversity from the potential risk posed by genetically modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology.
It establishes advanced informed agreement procedures for ensuring that countries are provided with the information necessary to make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory.
The protocol also establishes a Biosafety Clearing-House to facilitate the exchange of information on living modified organisms and to assist countries in the implementation of this particular protocol.
With those few words we, as the ANC, support this Bill before us here today and we would like to appeal to the other parties to do likewise. Thank you very much.
Debate concluded.
I shall now put the question and the question is that the Bill be agreed to. In accordance with Rule 63, I shall first allow political parties to make their declarations of vote if they so wish. We shall now proceed to the voting on the question. Those in favour say "Aye".
HON MEMBERS: Aye.
Those against will say "No". I think all the members voted in favour.
Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.