The ANC welcomes the report presented by the chairperson of the Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions.
I think it's important to highlight how the committee works so that we don't end up being misguided in terms of what happens. A perception has been given by hon Dudley, for example, that what goes before the committee becomes something that does not happen properly or could not even be regarded as work being done by Members of Parliament.
I think it's important to note that the work of the committee is guided by the Rules of this House, which have been agreed upon by all parties. For example, one of the Rules that guides the committee is that we need to make sure that when we agree on a legislative proposal we are not dealing with legislation that is anticipated from the executive. This is what has happened in this case.
Though we welcome that the issue of the timeframe was raised, we think it is a challenge we will be able to deal with. When a timeframe has been put in place, we will be able to follow up in order to monitor the work that has been agreed upon. I think we agree and understand this.
However, I think hon Dudley should, for example, go to the effort of understanding the process that the deliberations have gone through because it was quite an extensive process. We don't decide on a matter in a one-day meeting. It takes several meetings, briefings and engagements by the committee itself and involving a variety of people who are relevant to the process. I think this House should understand that the committee does not sit just to dump issues or does not take the work of the committee and members seriously. That is the impression the hon Dudley is giving, and it's not correct.
While the hon Dudley is alone and not able to go to all the committees, understanding the work and processes of a particular committee is important. The public is watching and we really don't want them thinking that what we are doing is wrong because they are being misinformed. Therefore I thought it's important for us to clarify this matter and be quite clear on how we work and process matters. After all, that committee is one of the critically important committees of Parliament, because it deals with what members regard as being important enough to be introduced as legislation. If we can understand the work of this committee and the processes it follows, before we make unsuitable comments that give the wrong perception to the public, things will be fine.
Lastly, I think that part of what was presented here by the chairperson is quite important and true, and we still welcome the work that is being done by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. They have been able to introduce a lot of legislation that has worked, while dealing with the issue of members' ethics. [Time expired.] [Applause.]