Order! Hon members, I think it is important for me to give a ruling on the question that was asked earlier on the use of electronic devices in the Chamber. We know that in this Chamber there have been rulings to the effect that laptops and cellphones may not be used during proceedings.
Members will also be aware that the Chair has the responsibility to ensure the smooth running of proceedings. In this regard, the Chair has the discretion to decide whether certain behaviour is distracting or not or has a negative effect on the decorum of the House.
Now, I am of the view that with current developments in technology and the benefits thereof - and also for the environment - and that new technology seeks to save trees, that somehow this is exactly the reason this matter is currently before the Rules Committee for processing.
In short, at the moment we do not have a Rule, but we as members know that we have been quietly allowing people to speak from their laptops and that this makes things much easier. I want to emphasise that this does not mean distracting behaviour such as taking pictures or answering cellphones in the Chamber will be allowed. We selectively say that you can use something that assists you in doing your work better until such time as the Rules Committee processes the issue. That is the end of the ruling. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC agrees with that Ruling, but we just want to say that the Leader of the Opposition must listen to the decisions of the collective called the "Chief Whips' Forum" and be brought up to date so that she doesn't take unilateral decisions in the House. [Interjections.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, in reply to the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I want to say that the next time he arranges a quorum of the Chief Whips' Forum we can take decisions. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: What the hon Watson is doing is casting doubt over the Chief Whips' Forum and giving the wrong information to the House. [Interjections.] It is not the responsibility of the Chief Whip to make sure that members of the Chief Whips' Forum attend, because it is his party and others who were not there. [Interjections.]
I am not going to entertain this discussion. Order, hon members!