Deputy Speaker, I have very little time so, first of all, thanks to all the parties for their support of the Bill.
Secondly, I want to indicate that there is already an existing set of programmes to support co-operatives, operating at national, provincial and local government level. The main purpose of this Bill is to refocus and reorganise this support programme into a much more effective instrument to support co-operatives. It is not about creating a new bureaucracy. We are not about to create a large number of new structures and salaries, and whatever. I have indicated before that we intend, in fact, to economise by using existing infrastructure wherever possible. I can give you the assurance that it is our intention not to see a mushrooming or a ballooning of irrelevant bureaucracy.
I can't resist responding to the comments about my shirt that were made by hon Oriani-Ambrosini. He said that I would make a good minister of welfare. Well, I think that he has just shown that he does not understand what co- operatives are about. Co-operatives are not about welfare! Co-operatives are about organising large numbers of people into productive activity, and co-operatives can have a very significant impact on the productive economy if we get them right. So, I think I just have to say that wearing a suit, a tie - and a waistcoat nogal [mind you] - doesn't mean that you speak more sense in Parliament! Thank you very much! [Applause.] [Laughter.]
Debate concluded.
Bill read a second time.