Question no

Question 913

831. 
     Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
     

Whether the Competition Commission will conduct an investigation into the scrap metal sector regarding the theft of nonferrous metals, in particular aluminium and copper; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW1603E

Response:
The Competition Commission has no jurisdiction to investigate any matters relating to theft. However, the Commission has investigated anticompetitive practices in the scrap metals sector. The findings of the investigation indicated that the New Reclamation Group and others were engaged in collusion and exclusionary conduct in contravention of the Competition Act. In April 2008, the Commission entered into a consent agreement with the New Reclamation Group (“Reclam”). Reclam admitted guilt and agreed to pay an administrative penalty of R145 972065 (6% of the annual turnover of Reclam). Reclam also consented to implementing a compliance program and cooperating with the Commission in its ongoing investigation of the scrap metal sector.
In addition, government is developing a systemic response to the issue of scrap metal, which is a vital input in the metals sector. This may include consideration of mechanisms to limit the export of scrap metal.

Question 914

Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

(a) What is the number of consent orders issued by the Competition Commission in 2007; and (b) what was the uncontested figure paid by each of the companies as administrative penalties provided that they comply with the required trading conditions?NW1604E

Response:
(a) The Commission entered into five consent agreements in 2007. All five consent agreements were confirmed as orders by the Competition Tribunal.
(b) Administrative penalties were levied in 3 of the 5 consent agreements and the remaining 2 involved behavioral remedies only. Details of administrative penalties levied are as follows:

No	Name of party fined	Administrative penalty
1	Nedschroef Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd	R200 000.00
2	CBC Fasteners (Pty) Ltd	R300 000.00
3	Tiger Consumer Brands (Pty) Ltd	R98 784 869.90

Question 915

Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:

Whether the Government is studying examples of dual youth labour markets in compatible developing economies; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?NW1605E

Response:

The Department of Labour is currently considering a number of initiatives to improve young peoples’ access to the labour market. These initiatives will be discussed at NEDLAC with our social partners.

the dti has recently established a Youth Directorate tasked with the responsibility of promoting youth economic empowerment in South Africa. The directorate, amongst other things, is currently finalizing a framework for promoting and supporting economic empowerment of young people in the country, focusing on youth-owned enterprises, youth entrepreneurship and employment creation.

International comparator studies will strengthen youth economic policy and the dti intends collaborating with the Department of Labour in this regard.

QUESTION NO 916
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 JUNE 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16/2008)
Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
Whether a certain police station (name furnished) has sufficient resources to assist the community; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the staff component and (b) how many posts are vacant?

NW1606E

REPLY:
Yes, Sunnyside Police Station has sufficient resources to assist the community.
(a)The current establishment at Sunnyside Police Station is 368 of which 295 are Police Service Act members and 73 are Public Service Act employees. According to the Resource Allocation Guide the establishment should be 298 but currently there are 368 members.
(b)Although there are no vacant posts available at the station, a total of 36 new constables will be transferred to the station on 9 July 2008 and 27 in January 2009.


QUESTION NO 917
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 6 JUNE 2008

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 16/2008)
Date reply submitted: 18 June 2008
Mr L B Labuschagne (DA) to ask the Minister of Safety and Security:
(a) What steps are the police taking to curb the alleged (i) drug trafficking, (ii) prostitution and (iii) harassment of the elderly residents in the area of Church Street between Wessels and Beckett Streets in Arcadia, Pretoria, below the Union Buildings, as stated in a letter (copy furnished) and which police station is responsible for the area referred to?

NW1607E

REPLY:
(a) In the station operational plan, drugs and prostitution have been identified as priorities for 2008/2009.
(i)&(ii) In order to address drugs and prostitution the station is conducting a crime prevention project. The Crime Information Gathering and Organised Crime Units were tasked with gathering intelligence on the specific crimes. The station management team held a meeting with the Provincial Head Office regarding the project. The project is currently in the planning phase.
(iii) The Sector Manager and the Social Crime Prevention coordinator visit the old age homes and patrols are conducted regularly. Sunnyside police station is responsible for the area.