1.2 After the Bill was introduced into Parliament in August 2003 and referred to this Committee, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (the Department) briefed the Committee comprehensively on the Bill. At the time of introduction, the Chairperson invited interested persons to comment on the Bill. One hundred and twenty eight (128) written submissions were received. Oral hearings were also held. During the public hearings a number of persons, many of whom participated in the consultative process of the Commission, made oral and written submissions. The persons presenting the various submissions were subjected to thorough questioning in order to clarify the many issues that arose. The Committee- * being aware that the Commission, during its investigation, had consulted widely; and * using the Commission's report as a point of departure, among others, questioned the persons who made submissions for the amendment of the Bill on the feasibility and desirability of the proposed amendments generally, and more specifically where these recommendations were a repetition of issues already canvassed during the Commission's consultative process. The Department was also requested to summarise all oral and written submissions made.