Debates of 13 Jun 2013

MR SPEAKER
PRAYERS 11:05 a.m.
COMMUNICATION FROM 11:05 a.m.
THE PRESIDENT 11:05 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Hon Members, Commu- nication from the President--
“12th June, 2013
THE RT HON SPEAKER 11:05 a.m.
OFFICE OF PARLIAMENT 11:05 a.m.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE 11:05 a.m.
ACCRA 11:05 a.m.
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC 11:05 a.m.
Mr Ken O. Agyapong 11:05 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I would want to refer you to article 59 of the 1992 Constitution which says, and with your permission, I beg to quote:
“The President shall not leave Ghana without prior notification in writing, signed by him and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament.”
Mr Speaker, but the President is already gone.
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Hon Member, you have to find out from me. It is addressed to the Speaker. You have to find out from me when I received the letter. I received the letter before the President left the jurisdiction. The letter got to my office yesterday at 1.45 p.m. on the dot.
Mr Daniel Botwe 11:05 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I think that we represent the people and we should give full meaning to our Constitu- tion. If it is a constitutional provision that the President should inform Parliament before he travels, I do not want to believe that —
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Hon Member —
Mr Botwe 11:05 a.m.
You got to know about it before the travel --
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Hon Member, he in- formed the Speaker.
Mr Botwe 11:05 a.m.
Mr Speaker, he informed the Speaker?
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Yes.
Mr Botwe 11:05 a.m.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.

This travel had been planned. The people in the United Kingdom (UK) know that he will be coming there on Wednesday. So, please, he should have informed us, at least, 24 or 48 hours before the travel. But he does not send a letter at 1.45 p.m. and travel at 8.00 p.m. just because — He is treating the constitu- tional provision nicely —
Mr Speaker 11:05 a.m.
Hon Members, on this occasion, I do not think the President has breached the 1992 Constitution. Hon Members, the President verbally informed me. [Uproar.] Yes, yes. I am being very truthful to you that the letter got to my office at 1.45 p.m. I do not know when he departed but he verbally informed me before the letter got to my office.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS AND THE OFFICIAL REPORT 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Hon Members, Correc- tion of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday 12th June, 2013.
Page 1…6 --
Mr Pele Abuga 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I appro- priately obtained permission to attend a caucus meeting in the Upper East Region but my name has been marked absent for that day.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Did you fill the form?
Mr Pele 11:15 a.m.
Yes, I did, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Very well. We would let the Table Office take note.
Dr Anthony A. Osei 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I just need a clarification. Is a caucus meeting of the Upper East Region a parliamentary work? -- [Interruption]
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Whether?
Dr A. A. Osei 11:15 a.m.
Whether a caucus meeting is official parliamentary duty?
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
No! The permission does not extend to official duties alone. But it is the permission that is important and I will decide whether that permission either is one that I should grant or not. For example, some Hon Members may take permission because they are not well, they are attending hospital or they are travelling to bury their family members. Those are not official functions.
So, it is for the Speaker to look at them and if the Speaker is not clear, he gets back to the Leadership, which normally makes the recommendation to the Speaker for further clarification before I grant them.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker, in this case, I am assuming that you found it necessary to grant it to him.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Hon Member, that is why I asked the Table Office to check the records.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:15 a.m.
All right, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
That is why I asked the Table Office to take note of his comment and check the records.
PAPERS 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
Item 4(c ).
Mr Afred K. Agbesi 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker, item 4(c ) is not ready.
Mr Speaker 11:15 a.m.
It cannot be ready because I am the Chairman of the Committee and I have not seen it.
Hon Members, we move to item 5 on the Order Paper -- Motion.
MOTIONS 11:15 a.m.
Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi) 11:15 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that this Honourable House adopts the Report of the Finance Committee on the request for waiver of custom duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co-operation Agency and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
Mr Speaker, in doing so, I present your Committee's Report.
1.0 Introduction
The request for waiver of customs duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8 was presented to Parliament on Monday, 29th March, 2013. Mr Speaker referred the request to the Finance Committee for consideration and
report in accordance with article 174(2) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 169 of the Standing Orders of the House.
The Committee met with the Hon Deputy Ministers for Finance and Roads and Highways, Mr George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan and Mr Isaac Adjei Mensah respectively, officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ghana Revenue Authority and considered the referral.
The Committee is grateful to the Hon Deputy Ministers and officials attending upon it.
2.0 Reference
The Committee referred to the follo- wing additional documents during its deliberations:
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The Standing Orders of the Parlia- ment of Ghana.
The Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co-operation Agency, and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the Rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
Contract between Ghana Highways Authority, the Republic of Ghana and Tokura Corporation, Japan for rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
3.0 Background
The National Trunk Road N8 is an important economic route connecting Accra, Kumasi and the western economic
blocs of the country. The road serves as an important route for the transportation of farm products from major production centres to the ports and other parts of the country. Although the road was rehabilitated somewhere in 1990-94, increased traffic and overloading have resulted in the rapid deterioration of the road. Over the years, attempts were made by Government to source funding to reconstruct sections of the road.
In July, 2009, Government entered into an agreement with Japan International Co- operation Agency for a total amount of eight billion, three hundred million Japanese Yen (¥8,300,000,000.00) to rehabilitate Assin Praso-Asante Bekwai section of the road.
Article 10 (1) of the Grant Agreement expressly requires that, the Government of Ghana should take the necessary steps to ensure that customs duties, internal taxes and other fiscal levies which may be imposed in the Republic of Ghana in respect of the purchase of products and services be exempted. Further, article 8.3 of the contract Agreement also requires Government to take necessary steps to exempt the contractor from customs duties, internal taxes and other fiscal levies with respect to the supply of products and services and equipment necessary for the execution of the project.
In compliance with the above provisions, the Government intends to exempt the contractor from the payment of assessed customs duties, internal taxes and other fiscal levies in respect to the rehabilitation of the Assin Praso - Asante Bekwai trunk road.
4.0 Project description
The project seeks to rehabilitate a 60 kilometre road from Assin Praso to Asante Bekwai including the reconstruction of
Chairman of the Committee (Mr James K. Avedzi) 11:25 a.m.
Assin Praso Bridge and other related works. The road will be a two-way, two- lane single carriages with mechanically stabilised crush rock base and asphaltic concrete wearing course. The project also provides for two climbing lanes for slow moving trucks at the mountainous sections. As part of the project, a total of 127 culverts will also be replaced.
The project is divided into four phases based on time period for disbursement of specific amounts. The first phase of the project which involves mobilisation and execution of certain works has been completed and the second phase is about 10.6 per cent completed. The project is expected to be completed in December,
2013.
5.0 Required waiver
To ensure the execution of the project, there was the need to exempt the contractor from customs duties, internal taxes and other fiscal levies with respect to the supply of products and services and equipment necessary for the work in accordance with the provisions in article 10 (1) of the Grant Agreement and 8.3 of the contract Agreement. The amount of waiver required amounted to US$7,413, 611.00 or cedi equivalent.
6.0 Observation
Importance of the tax waiver
The Committee was informed that the N8 trunk route plays an important role in economic activities in Ghana. It is the main link for the Accra, Kumasi and Western economic blocs of the country, which is considered to be the golden triangle of Ghana's economy. It is also a major link between major production areas and the country's ports in Takoradi and Tema.
However, the poor state of the road is adversely affecting economic activities. The Committee noted that, the Assin Praso - Asante Bekwai section of the N8 road is worse affected. The proposed rehabilitation work on this part of the road therefore, is important to promote transportation of goods and farm products from production areas to the ports and other parts of the country.
Approval of the tax waiver
The Committee observed that the Ghana Revenue Authority, upon thorough assessment, granted an interim waiver on the assessed customs duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levy, destina- tion inspec-tion fees, withholding tax liabilities, taxes and other levies amounting to US$7,413,611.00 on materials, equipment and services relating to the execution of the project.
7.0 Conclusions
The Committee, having carefully examined the referral, recommends to the House to adopt its Report and approve by Resolution, the request for waiver of customs duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8 in accordance with article 174 (2) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 169 of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Ghana.
Respectfully submitted.

Ranking Member of the Committee (Dr Anthony A. Osei): Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion on the floor.

Mr Speaker, this request for waiver is not very controversial. The amount involved is not small, it is quite big. One of the things that we as a House have not done is that -- As you are well aware, grants do not have to come to Parliament for approval; very often we do not know much about them until the waiver comes.

I would want to urge that we adopt a policy where the Hon Minister can, at least, inform the House when they receive a grant, so that before the waiver comes, we are fully informed of the activities.

The contractor has done some work; he is in the second phase, and we are being asked to approve a waiver, so that he or she can continue. But it is known ahead of time that this letter would come. So, in the future, if the House can advise the Hon Ministers concerned to notify us that it would be coming, so that we know when the grant has come.

Otherwise, it is not very controversial and I urge all Hon Members to adopt the Motion to grant the request for the waiver in the amount here stated in the Report.

I thank you.

Question proposed.
Dr Matthew O. Prempeh (NPP -- Manhyia South) 11:25 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I think this waiver per se is not controversial and we all need to support it for the necessary work to be done.
But Mr Speaker, there is an even bigger question about these tax waivers and other waivers that this House is granting. The House per its oversight responsibility should be aware of the total revenues accruing to Government. And so, that matter that was raised by the Hon Member for Old Tafo is not a matter that we should let to lie. The House should be apprised of all grants given to the Government.
Mr Speaker, why do I say that? Some grants are tied to the repayment of further disbursement, like they say, the Japanese grants. The Japanese grant has been administered by the Ministry of Finance for years and has been given as loans to entities in this country.
The repayment of such loans has led to a lot of Auditor-General's Reports in the Public Accounts Committee, where Ghanaian institutions have taken these monies and have never paid. But the repayment of these monies is supposed to help the Government balancing of these budget expenditures.
So, Mr Speaker, grants -- There is nowhere in the 1992 Constitution that says Parliament should not be informed about grants. Yes, you might not need approval for grants but since they would come for waiver approvals or tax waivers, there is a need for us to be informed and informed appropriately. Whether the money would be enough or not, Mr Speaker, we do not know; whether Government would go and contract another loan to finish the project, we do not even know.
So, these things do not augur well for us as an oversight body checking the Executive and I think under your Speakership, we should deal with this matter very well.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 11:25 a.m.
Hon Member, you should not create the impression as if the House -- If you would want us to improve upon our previous practices, yes. But as the Hon Member for Old Tafo suggested, the House then should agree on how we should carry the process forward. We should not create the impression as if something untoward is happening on the floor of the House; it is very, very important.
Dr Prempeh 11:25 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am not imputing any bad practice --
Mr Speaker 11:25 a.m.
Absolutely.
Dr Prempeh 11:25 a.m.
I am saying that we should do more than we have done so far, Mr Speaker.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah (NPP -- Sekondi) 11:25 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion and to also comment on the submission made by the Hon Member for Manhyia South.
Mr Speaker, I have always held the view that to deepen good governance, it is important that whatever agreement or transaction the Executive enters into, touching or concerning the use of funds, either free or repayable, it may help if Parliament is aware or in the know.
Of course, the Executive has the mandate to govern the country, and in the governance of the country, it needs not come to Parliament for approval in respect of every transaction it enters into. However, it helps because, then it assists Parliament to also give its input where it relates to the execution of projects.
Mr Speaker, I know for a fact that this road that was executed through a Japanese grant, either the technical experts did not manage it properly or what,
it did not last even for three years. It was executed by Kajima Corporation and it did not last. But when we came to Committee, the reason they gave was that “Oh, well, it was because the traffic was heavier than anticipated; it was because they misused the road”, et cetera. I did not think that that was a fair comment.
In any event, Mr Speaker, it is also important to recognise that a grant -- not every grant, but a grant may constitute an international business or economic transaction even though we are not required to make any payment. So, it is important that we clarify this matter.
While on my feet, Mr Speaker, there is this matter of article 181(5) of the 1992 Constitution, which has been the subject of judicial pronouncement. Up till now, it does not look like we have made progress. I have held personal discussions with the Hon Minister for Finance when he was the Deputy Minister for Finance and I also had some discussions with the Hon Majority Leader in his erstwhile life as an Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, that it was important that we have the necessary modifications.
I personally have some ideas but I know that in some of these matters, it helps, if the Executive initiates the process. Other than that, Mr Speaker, having regard to the interpretation given by the Supreme Court, almost every transaction that may involve an international company or body, or where funds may have to be used and which will come from the Consolidated Fund in foreign currency, have to be approved by the House. That will virtually grind Government business to a halt.
So, I am urging the Government, through the Hon Majority Leader and Minister for Government Business in Parliament -- It is a very powerful position.
He is the Hon Minister for Government Business in Parliament and therefore, answerable for Government as far as business is before the House, even before any other sector Minister. It is so important, and, we need to urge him to be doing more.
Mr Speaker, I have been in this position before and I know the challenges involved. But I am urging Government in respect of article 181 (5) of the 1992 Constitution, to take urgent action, so that by the end of this Session, we may, as a House, have complied with article 181 and made the necessary modifications.
Other than that, Mr Speaker, you have been here since the inception of Parliament, from a backbencher to the head of the institution. [Hear! Hear!] And Mr Speaker --
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Member for Sekondi, can you leave the Speaker out of your contribution? [Laughter.]
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am just making an observation. It is trite knowledge; there is no dispute about it. And I am urging you, using your good offices and with your experience both as a legislator and as a Speaker, to ensure that this thing comes to the House as early as possible.
I thank you so much, Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Members, I know that some work is being done on article 181 (5) of the 1992 Constitution. About two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice together with my First Deputy on this matter. Some work is being done which would be brought to the House.
rose
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Deputy Majority Leader, I will call you later but let --
Brong Ahafo Regional Minister (Mr Evans Paul Aidoo)(MP): Mr Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion that has to deal with the waiver of customs duties, National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and other related taxes to enable the N8 trunk road to be rehabilitated.
Indeed, we have serious problems with regard to the road sector and it all boils down to the fact that --
[No audio]-- the precarious financial constraint is a major obstacle to this country. Indeed, I travelled on the Kumasi highway just this weekend and when you look at some of the potholes that have actually developed, we need to tackle them and it is a very good opportunity to --
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Member, relevance -- Tax exemption.
Mr E. P. Aidoo 11:35 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
When you look at some of the trunk roads, especially from -- [Interruption] -- the national trunk road, that is N8-- What I am saying is that some portions of the road network have actually deteriorated. [Interruption.] Especially in 2006, when the road -- [Interruption]. My Hon Colleagues opposite, I know, I am above that sort of heckling. I am a third timer, so I am not afraid of those things.
What I am saying is that the road network needs to be rehabilitated.
Looking at the western section of the road, you could see that we have to attach great importance to that particular road network. What I am saying is that the road network has deteriorated to such an extent that what we need to do is that --
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Member, I refer you to Standing Order 99 (1):
“Any Member deviating from these Orders may be immediately called to order by Mr Speaker or by any other Member rising to a point of order in accordance with Order 91.”
Hon Member, we are talking about tax exemption of a specific road. If you want to raise issues about roads in the western corridor, you are entitled to do so as a Member of Parliament, but you must come properly under the rules.
Mr E. P. Aidoo 11:35 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I am just basing my argument on that. So, if I am going astray, I hope you will straigthen me -- [Uproar!] What I want to say is that the element of, maybe, the inspectorate unit to monitor the work that they are going to execute, is very paramount. So, I would urge the Hon Ministry of Roads and Highways to ensure that proper work is done, so that they can stand the test of time when it is rehabilitated.
Thank you very much for the opportunity.
Mr Alfred K. Agbesi (NDC -- Ashaiman) 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, the issue raised by the Hon Member for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah -- you have already referred to it, and I was just going to say that during the last Parliament, when we were at the Committee level, he had been talking about this matter all along. --
rose
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo, do you have a point of order?
Dr A. A. Osei 11:35 a.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker. I just need your guidance. I just wanted to know if he is speaking in his capacity as the Hon Deputy Majority Leader and Deputy Minister for Government Business in Parliament.
[An Hon Member: He is not a Deputy Minister] All right.
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
Hon Member, he is the Deputy Majority Leader in this House, so, he is speaking as the Deputy Majority Leader.
Mr Agbesi 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, as I was saying, Hon Papa Owusu-Ankomah had always raised this matter about article 181 (5) of the 1992 Constitution and you have already informed us that you have spoken to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice on the matter.
Mr Speaker, this Motion calling for the waiver -- I would support the Motion on the basis that an article of the provision of the Grant Agreement and contract Agreement had made provision that tax waiver be granted for the contract to be executed.
Mr Speaker, we are aware by the Report, that this road is going to facilitate conveyance of farm produce to the port and on this basis, I think that this whole House should support this Motion for the tax waiver to be granted for the contract to be executed.
Mr Speaker, it is on this basis that I support the Motion and ask all Hon Members to support it.
Mr Willion O. Boafo (NPP -- Akwapim North) 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to contribute to the discussion on the floor.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:35 a.m.
On a point of order.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Senior Member is misleading this House.
He said attachment was given to every Hon Member of this House, not at the Committee. The Paper that came, was with the attachment to all of us; it was not at the committee level. So, he should clarify that.
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I believe the submission the Hon Member made was rather incorrect. I do not think he was misleading the House. What he said is incorrect.-- [No audio]
Mr Speaker 11:35 a.m.
What is the difference; for purposes of this debate?
Papa Owusu-Ankomah 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, when a statement is incorrect, it is not intended to mislead.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:35 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I agree with my senior. It was incorrect; it is not intended to mislead. But he had a copy; so, I think he should go and get his copy and not say that it was brought only to the Committee. He is supposed to have a copy.
Mr Boafo 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I will look for my copy.
He did not allow me to properly land before he came in with his interjection.
Mr Speaker, why I am bringing up this issue is that, we are exempting certain items and for purposes of transparency, if they are incorporated in the Report, it will appear in our Official Report and it will help us in future to monitor whether or not the items we approved of are those which have been exempted or additional items have been included.
It is just to strengthen the oversight of the Committee and Parliament on this executive action. So, Mr Speaker, if we have not been doing it, like we said in the case of Hon Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Member for Manhyia South), we can improve upon the work of the Committee.
Secondly, it appears that there is no limit for these tax exemptions when they come to the floor and I find it very odd. I
am of the view that the Hon Minister for Finance should come up with a proposal to the effect that if a tax exemption should exceed a certain limit, then it should be graduated. If it should exceed seven million, then anything in excess or over, it should be about 30 or 50 per cent of the tax which is to be exemptible. This will help us save money for Ghana.
Thirdly, when there is in the Agreement the requirement to pay a commitment fee, arrangement fee, nobody comes here to say that we should not pay. We pay them in full. Why is it that when it is due to the Government, we cannot make a way, so that we do not pay everything to the persons who are going to benefit under it?
Mr Speaker, these are the three points that I would want to raise.
Mr Gabriel K. Essilfie (NDC -- Shama) 11:45 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to the Motion on the floor.
Mr Speaker, as we have all been told and also know, this National Trunk Road N8 is a very important road network in our whole transportation system --
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Members, the background noise is getting out of control.
Mr Essilfie 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, for that matter, for us to really rehabilitate it and bring it to the level that will serve the country very well -- Those are the main reasons this road project is going on. As a result, our approval of these custom duties, taxes and all the associated fees and our exempting the contractors who are coming in for this kind, of course, will help them to expedite the whole project process.
Mr Essilfie 11:45 a.m.


So, Mr Speaker, without saying much, I would just like to appeal to all Hon Members of this House to support this Motion, so that we get it through for the project to start and be completed on time.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Kwabena O. Darko-Mensah (NPP -- Takoradi) 11:45 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity to add my voice to the Motion.
Mr Speaker, I believe that we are all aware of the checkered history of this particular road. In fact, my grandmother tells me that the day that it was inaugurated, more than 60 cars were on it to inspect it. I feel that if we are taking this waiver that we are giving them, we should be looking at other issues more than just the waiver because if we take the activities that are taking place --
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Member, the Motion before us is on tax waiver and we have a rule --
Mr Darko-Mensah 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I am going straight there; you would get it. So, calm down.
But you will realise that -- [Hon Member: You are laying the foundation.] -- Yes, we are laying the foundation.
It is very, very important to do this road. But Mr Speaker, what we should know is that just yesterday, we were at the Ghana Community Network Services Limited (GCNet) and we were told that about one-third of revenue losses at the ports is due to waivers and exemptions. And if you take the particular history about this road, I believe that it is time that we started looking at the cost of awards for a lot of the roads that we had in this country.
This is because, right from day one that this road in particular was done, it started deteriorating, to the extent that we have to get a grant and now add a waiver, instead of using this money for other roads we could have done in this country. That is where I was coming from; that it is very important that henceforth, like I have said previously, when it comes to roads, we should be looking at the lifespan given to the design of the roads, to ensure that contractors, supervisors, inspectors or agencies that are in charge of this road, do their work very well, so that we do not come back to this same issue of giving waivers --
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Members, this House has the power to do the things that you are all complaining about. Your select committees are supposed to have oversight over the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). So, Hon Members, we should not be making submissions as if the committees are there for nothing.
Mr Darko-Mensah 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I believe that the issues you are raising are pertinent, because for instance, when this waiver issue came up, our Committee was never invited to be part of the discussion on the waiver.
Two, we also understand that even inviting --
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Member, what prevents your Committee on Roads and Transport, if you are a member, to invite the Ministry or agency responsible, to find out from them the design and lifespan of the road and all those things? When you are not satisfied, you bring the matter to the floor of the House in the form of a Question, at the appropriate time.
Mr Darko-Mensah 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, nothing prevents us from doing that. But this road in particular was done before 2000. So, let us even assume that -- [Some Hon Members: Sit down!]
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Members, the Hon Member for Takoradi has the floor.
Mr Darko-Mensah 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, all that we are saying is that, henceforth, we should do things properly in this country so that waivers are not granted which are a loss to the State; pure and simple. [Hear! Hear!]
Mr Benjamin K. Kpodo (NDC -- Ho Central) 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I rise to support the Motion for the waiver of taxes on that project.
rose
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo, do you have a point of order?
Dr A. A. Osei 11:45 a.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker, relevance. The Report does not talk about putting a cap on waivers. So, I do not know why he is saying that he finds it curious -- [Uproar.]
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Member for Old Tafo and Hon Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, the Hon Member for Ho Central is responding to a suggestion made on the floor that we should put a cap on the waivers. He is not referring to the Committee's Report. An Hon Member expressed that view on the floor of the House some few minutes ago.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:45 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I thought we were addressing the content of the Report?
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Yes. But once a view is expressed on the floor of the House, an Hon Member is entitled to respond to that view.
Mr Kpodo 11:45 a.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
These waivers are project-specific and if we place a cap on the amount being requested for, what will happen to the grant amount? It means that the one too has to come down because this is tied to whatever the cost of the project is.
If we say that we lose revenue, it is an in-and-out situation. If we impose the tax, we have to find the money to fill in the gap which will be created as a result of the imposition of the tax.
So, Mr Speaker, I think that what we are doing is in order.
I, therefore, think that this Honourable House should approve the waiver.
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Member, is it out of place for Hon Members to suggest that we should take a closer look at the exemptions and the waivers that we grant? That is my understanding of the general debate, that as a House, we should start taking a look at the extent to which we grant waivers and exemptions.
That is the general sense of the House, that when we go and negotiate, whether it is a grant or a loan, we should be looking at the exemptions. This is because some Hon Members think that it is becoming too much. That is the general sense being expressed in the House --
rose
Mr Speaker 11:45 a.m.
Hon Chairman of the Committee.
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I think that on the issue about the waiver of taxes as you rightly said, the House needs to take a second look at it. But the issue is that the
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.


taxes are being imposed by ourselves. It is our law that says that import of products or VAT domestically should be taxed. If you are going for a negotiation for a project and the project cost is ‘X' amount but our own law here stipulates that goods that are imported should be taxed by import duty and whatever, it would mean that if you are paying those import duties, they will increase the cost of the project.

So, you will pay those, you collect the duties and then use them to pay for the cost of the project. So, it is an in-and-out affair. So, by exempting, it brings the cost of the project to the value of the loan or the facility you are taking. But in accounting terms, we should do that double entry in order to know the real cost of the project.

As it is now, by exempting, we know the actual cost of the project because we are exempting those taxes. But to know the actual cost of the exemption, we add the exemption to the cost of the project to know the actual cost of the project. But in terms of revenue and expenditure, they nullify each other --
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Member, when you go and take a loan, you pay interest on it. It is not free, yet you are exempted? That is what you should explain. I think that is the point people are making, not with regard to grant which is “free money”. But where we go and borrow money, we pay interest on those loans and we exempt, yet they come again for waivers and Members think that it is double. Apart from the cost of the loan, again, you are exempting. If you have an explanation as the Chairman of the Committee, explain that part to Hon Members.
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, it does not amount to doubling the cost. The issue is that you take a loan and there is an interest on that loan. It is a different transaction altogether. What are you using that loan for? You are using the loan for a project and that project involves import of machinery, buying of products and other materials and our own domestic law says that if you buy any product, you pay VAT.
So, if you are taking money from that loan, you took to pay for the VAT, you will not have enough money for the project. That is why we are exempting those taxes. So, it does not have anything to do with the interest component at all.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, on this matter of exemptions, the senior Hon Member was not out of order. The Late Atta Mills-- and the current Minister for Finance is inviting this House to look at the exact matter that he is talking about. I agree with him. There are very few countries where they keep doing what we are doing. We have had bilateral negotiations with different countries and it is about time that we looked at these things.
If you look at the budget statement, the Minister is emphatic; it is about 30 per cent that we are losing. So, I think it is in order that this House begins to look at these issues and negotiate them down.
We are being invited by the Hon Minister to do that, so, why are we complaining? I think it is a matter that we should take up.
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I completely disagree with the Ranking Member. The imposition of the taxes is by our own laws. It is our own laws that impose the taxes. So, it is our own law that says that if we do not want to pay that tax, we should exempt it; simple. That is it.
Dr A. A. Osei 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, we do not have any law that says that when you are borrowing money, I should waive the tax. We should negotiate it. It is a negotiation. It is a practice that must change. It must change.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Chairman of the Finance Committee, are you saying that when we go and take a loan and we pay interest on that loan, we do not factor that into account when we are granting exemptions under the terms of the loan? Since I entered this House, that is what we have been doing -- from 1993, and now, there is nothing wrong for us taking a second look at it. I do not see anything wrong for us to look at it if it is possible to do so. It is because you are the Chairman of the Finance Committee, that is why I am giving you the floor.
In fact, when the Hon Member for Old Tafo (Dr A. A. Osei) was the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, it was the same thing we were doing. Before then it was the same thing. But I think that if new ideas are coming, it should be possible for us to explore those new ideas.
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, let me give one example. If we go for a loan for US$100 million and the interest is on it, we do not know the interest component, and we use that loan to do a project which does not involve import of machinery, purchase of goods that will attract tax, do we have any issue arising on exemption of tax?
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Member, when a Ghanaian goes to take a loan to do a government project and he has to import some equipment to execute that project, do they extend the same privilege to him? [Some Hon Members: No! Only foreigners.]
Mr Avedzi 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, it would not be extended --
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Members, we need to explore this matter further. But as has been said, we were told in this House in the last Parliament that the Ministry of Finance will be coming with proposals regarding tax exemptions and all those things, and I think that it is a matter of concern to the House and we should find a way of addressing it.
I think we have exhausted the discussion but let me hear from Hon Ibrahim.
Mr Murtala M. Ibrahim (NDC -- Nanton) 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Hon Colleagues about the need for us to look at the way we have been doing things over the years. But I think that we have a specific issue to deal with now and I understand that they were fought, a lot of arguments were given at the committee level on this issue and, at the end of the day, there was a resolution.
I think that we should also be mindful of the economic viability of the road for the people who live along it.
Mr Speaker, road construction --
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Member, address the issue of tax exemption.
Mr M. M. Ibrahim 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, road construction to a very large extent, indeed, helps a lot. I do not think that our interest is just to construct roads. We are constructing roads for purposes that they serve and considering the fact that that trunk road -- [Interruption]
Dr Prempeh 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, an Hon Member, a senior Colleague in this Chamber was estopped in his contribution because of relevance. He is not coming
Mr M. M. Ibrahim 11:55 a.m.
Mr Speaker, ironically, an Hon Member stood up and the same Hon Member said that we should allow him to land before we can get the import. I am wondering whether my Hon Member was actually listening. Indeed, if he was listening, that statement would not have been made. It is important.
I am talking to Hon Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Mr Speaker 11:55 a.m.
Hon Member, Standing Order 93 (4)--
“The speech of a Member must have reference to the subject matter under discussion.”
The subject matter is about tax waiver for a specific road.
Mr M. M. Ibrahim 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, thank you very much.
But I would want clarification on whether in making contributions, we are just limited without looking at the reasons before we come to some conclusions. I am wondering whether we are limited in making contributions --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Hon Murtala Ibrahim, I have made my ruling. If you disagree with my ruling, the rules of the House allow you to use the proper mechanism to question the ruling that I have made.
Mr M. M. Ibrahim 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I was just seeking clarification; I did not disagree with you.

But Mr Speaker, I think that it is important that we look at the waiver. But that notwithstanding -- [Interruption.] Mr Speaker, I think that inasmuch as we are looking at the waiver, we should also be looking at the purposes for which that waiver would serve. If we refuse --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Hon Member, you are out of order.
Minority Leader (Mr Osei Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu) 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity granted to also add my voice of support to the Motion before us.
Mr Speaker, I would want to have a few clarifications. The first one relates to the description of the road, “N8”. Mr Speaker, which road is designated as “N8”? Is it Accra to Kumasi or Accra- Kumasi, Cape Coast?
Mr Speaker, Accra- Kumasi, I know to be designated as N8, but not the branch from Kumasi through Bekwai and Assin Praso to Cape Coast. Mr Speaker, that one is not N8. So, we need to be sure what exactly we are dealing with. That is the first thing.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Hon Minority Leader, we are all learning. How do you know that that one is not N8? I also would want to know.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways are here and I know --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
The only “N” that I know is the N1. [Laughter.]
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, these are new names and I know that they have designated Accra to Kumasi road as N8, which has been partially expressed and captured by the Report. The branch from Kumasi through Bekwai, Assin Praso to Cape Coast, I do not know of that one as N8.
That is why I am saying that we should know exactly what road we are dealing with. That is the first one.
Mr Speaker, the Report relates to exemption on the total amount, which is being quoted as ¥8.3 billion. Yet, the exemption being sought is United States (US) dollar rated. I thought that we needed, for purposes of clarity, to know the equivalent in the US unit of account to enable us know exactly what we are doing. We have not been offered that.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Chairman of the Committee, let us know, so that we can compare the grant and the extent of the exemption. It is a very relevant point.
Mr Avedzi 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I think it is an omission. The dollar equivalent of ¥8.3 billion is about US$83 million.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
US$83 million?
Mr Avedzi 12:05 p.m.
Yes, Mr Speaker. [Interrup- tion.]
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, is it US$8.3 million or about? We should be speaking about exactitude here. So, if the Chairman can let us know the exact amount -- [Interruption.]
Mr Avedzi 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I did not say US$8.3 million. I said US$83 million and I said “about” because it depends on the rate you use at a particular day of transaction. [Interruption.] So, the US$83 million figure I have given is the current exchange rate between the US dollar and the Japanese Yen.
Mr Ken O. Agyapong 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, my Hon Colleague, Hon --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Is it a point of order or you are contributing?
Mr Agyapong 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I am contributing.
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Then, let the Hon Mino- rity Leader finish.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, it is important to know because we should be talking about exactitude. That was why I said, maybe, we ought to have been served the exact figure even for us to know what amount we are dealing with.
Mr Speaker, I also agree with my Hon Colleague who spoke earlier, the Hon Member for Akropong, when he said to us that --
Mr Speaker 12:05 p.m.
Are you sure that is the name of his constituency? It is not “Akro- pong”.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
Mr Speaker, the Hon Member for Akwapim North? Mr Speaker, these days, things are happening so fast that it is difficult to keep track of names of constituencies that are even in incubation.
Mr Speaker, so, as I said, I agree with him that because we are dealing with specifics and the Committee has done this House a lot of good by itemising the various components of the waivers that we are talking about, that is the customs duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes and then they go on to say “other taxes and levies amounting to . . ..”
So, I thought it would be imperative that since it is this one that is going to be captured by the Hansard, we know exactly the quantum involved in each of them for purposes of reference.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:05 p.m.
I am being told by the Hon Ranking Member that there is an attachment. If there is, then I would want to indulge the Chairman to have it attached to it for it to be captured in the Hansard, so that we know exactly how much we have dealt with.
Mr Speaker, I wanted us to know the value that we are dealing with because we have been given the stretch of road that is being covered, 60 kilometres, and in order for us to, if we have as a House, deal with value for money and the cost of construction per kilometre, it would be facilitated if we got to know this.
Mr Speaker, that is why I am happy that we are additionally being informed that the amount is also going to go into the construction of 127 culverts. So, it is inclusive of it. Perhaps, what we ought to have known, Mr Speaker, would have been the cost of these constructions. So, if you are calculating the stretch, you would get to know how much a kilometre on the average we are approving or have approved.
Mr Speaker, so, I guess if it is not too late or if it is late, the Finance Committee and Committee on Roads and Highways, if they came together, would have served the House better if they did this for us. This is because in monitoring, in overseeing the allocations, the Parliament or the two Committees would have been served this important document in order for us to arrive at useful conclusions as regards whether or not we are having value for money in this enterprise.
Mr Speaker, the Member for Sekondi informed us that the original construction was done by Kajima Corporation and it was in 1992 when they started the construction. It did not take more than three years before we started seeing the

peeling off of asphaltic overlays. This whole thing is also being done by, I guess, some Japanese company this time round and it is important that our engineers do proper and better supervision, so that the same situation would not recur.

Mr Speaker, again, it is important for us to note that this road that we are having this grant to reconstruct is one that should be dear to us as a country, in particular, knowing that judgement debt has been collected for no work done on this very road by Construction Pioneers (CP) --
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Hon Minority Leader, do not go there --
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have mentioned it but I avoid further traversing that route.
Mr Speaker, so, we ought to know that the best thing is being done for the country and with that, Mr Speaker, I support the Motion on the floor.
Thank you very much.
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Hon Members, I will take the very last two.
Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways (Mr Isaac Agyei Mensah)(MP): Mr Speaker, I would want to clarify the concerns of the Minority Leader regarding the N8 and N6 roads.
The Accra-Kumasi road is N6 and Yamoransa Junction-Ahwia Nkwanta is N8. I thought I needed to clarify that.
Thank you.
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Thank you very much.
Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong (NPP -- Assin Central) 12:15 p.m.
Thank you, Mr Speaker for giving me the opportunity.
I have interest in this road because --
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
The issue is not about the road. The issue is about tax waiver.
Mr Agyapong 12:15 p.m.
Yes, I am coming to that.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, page 2 of the Report, the national trunk road N 8 is an important economic road connecting Accra - Kumasi and the Western Corridor. We suggested to them that we amend that portion of the Report.
Mr Agyapong 12:15 p.m.
My worry with these waivers and exemptions is that, yesterday there was a typical example. We visited GCNet and their biggest challenge was with these waivers and exemptions. They do not know where to draw the line. Now, what I see here, eight billion, three hundred yen. In today's rate, it is hundred to one dollar and that will give you eighty- three million dollars. This US$83 million, if you do the -- [Interruption] -- Mr Speaker, if you do the calculation per US$7.4 million, it means that 9 per cent is being waived as taxes or whatever.
The 9 per cent of US$83 million is the Members of Parliament 7.4. What we would want to address is that they should make sure they give us details. If I go to the port to clear my goods, they are able to tell me a percentage that I have to pay and if you bring US$7.4 million and we do not do the calculation, then what rate did they use? They have come out with VAT and all sorts of excuses -- [Interruption] -- Can I land? [Interruption.]
rose
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Chairman, do you have an order?
Mr Avedzi 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I have a point of order and the point of order is that the US$7.4 million was not calculated on the grants; it was not calculated on the 8.3 billion yen: it was calculated on the amount of goods you are buying.
Mr Agyapong 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I do not get his point of order. The amount of goods you are buying is the US$83 million you have here -- [Interruption] -- So, Mr Speaker, what are we giving the exemption or the waiver on? We are giving the exemption on the US$83 million.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, if the Chairman will agree to the suggestion by the Minority Leader, this problem will be solved. His request was the Chairman's indulgence for the annex to be added as an addendum to the Report, so that the Hansard can capture it.
Mr Agyapong 12:15 p.m.
Whether I am buying two or ten items, once it amounts to US$83 million and you give a waiver of US$7.4 million, it is still 9 per cent. So, what are we saying here? What we are saying is that we should make sure that they give us the details of the exemption. If VAT is two and a half, if GCNet is 1 per cent, we should know. If not, today, they come with 9 per cent and tomorrow, it is 5 per cent; the next time, it may be 15 per cent. This is all what I am saying.
We should have specifics, not just that we bring US$83 million and you come to Parliament for USS7.4 million -- 9 per cent. The other day, we were giving -- That one was stamp duty. So, I am all right with it but we have to do things properly. It gives advantage not only to these companies but individuals as well because yesterday, they were complaining bitterly that the Government is losing money because of these kinds of exemptions. So, we have to take it serious.
We are Members of Parliament and we can change it. That is all what I am saying.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
Hon Chairman, do you want to wind up? Otherwise, I will want to put the Question.
Dr A. A. Osei 12:15 p.m.
Is he the Minister for Finance winding up? He spoke as the Chairman, he is finished. But he is coming back to speak. Is he speaking for the Minister?
Mr Speaker 12:15 p.m.
He is winding up; the person who moved the Motion may wind up if he so desires.
Mr William O. Boafo 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I heard the Chairman saying that he is calling upon the House to approve the facility. I do not think we have any facility before us. It is not a facility that we have before us. It is a request to approve the exemption, a waiver, not a facility.
Mr Avedzi 12:15 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I said the House should adopt the Report.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Consequential Resolu- tion, Hon Majority Leader?
Dr Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I apply to ask for your indulgence to grant me leave to move the Resolution on behalf of the Finance Minister who is unavoidably absent.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, listening to the chorus, it is obvious that Hon Members are concerned that none of the Deputies responsible for Finance is here. But coming from the Majority Leader, I guess the House may have to indulge him.

But Mr Speaker, if you may want to take a voice vote on it, I will crave the indulgence of my Colleague Hon Fritz Baffour to add his voice.
RESOLUTIONS 12:25 p.m.
Minister for Finance) 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to move, that
WHEREAS by the provisions of article 174 (2) of the Constitution, Parliament is empowered to confer power on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax imposed by an Act of Parliament;
THE EXERCISE of any power conferred on any person or authority to waive or vary a tax in favour of any person or authority is by the said provisions made subject to the prior approval of Parliament by Resolution;
BY THE combined operation of the provisions of section 26 (2) of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (Management) Law, 1993 (PNDCL 330), the Export and Import Act, 1995 (Act 503), the Export Development and Investment Fund Act, 2000 (Act 582), the Value Added Tax Act, 1998 (Act 546), the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2000 (Act 579) and other existing laws and regulations applicable to the collection of customs duties and other taxes on the importation of goods into Ghana, the Minister for Finance may exempt any statutory corporation, institution or individual from the payment of duties and taxes
otherwise payable under the said laws and regulations or waive or vary the requirement of such statutory corporation, institution or individual to pay such duties and taxes;
IN ACCORDANCE with the provisions of the Constitution and at the request of the Government of Ghana acting through the Minister responsible for Finance, there has been laid before Parliament a request by the Minister for Finance for the prior approval of Parliament the exercise by him of his power under the laws and regulations relating to the waiver of customs duties, VAT/NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, Withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413,611.00) on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co- operation Agency and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
NOW THEREFORE, this Honour- able House hereby approves the exercise by the Minister responsible for Finance of the power granted to him by Parliament by Statute to waive such customs duties, VAT/ NHIL, EDIF, ECOWAS levies, destination inspection fees, withholding taxes, other taxes and levies amounting to seven million, four hundred and thir teen thousand, six hundred and eleven United States dollars (US$7,413, 611.00)
on goods and services relating to the execution of the Grant Agreement between the Japan International Co-operation Agency and the Government of the Republic of Ghana for the rehabilitation of the National Trunk Road N8.
Mr James K. Avedzi 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
Resolved accordingly.
Dr Benjamin B. Kunbuor 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, in the absence of any other matter and the number of significant meetings including the Closed Sitting that we will be having, I beg to move, that the House be adjourned to Friday, 14th June, 2013 in the forenoon.
Mr Speaker 12:25 p.m.
Hon Minority Leader, I thought we had some understanding today in the Speaker's Lobby? Have you briefed the Hon Majority Leader?
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu 12:25 p.m.
Mr Speaker, he was not with us at the very outset. My Colleague was just asking me and I was telling him on the sidelines that we have agreed that the advertised meeting which was scheduled for yesterday and which we reprogrammed to today, would be taken next week, by which time the Majority Leader would have been sufficiently enamoured to brief the House.
Mr Speaker, on that note, I beg to second the Motion moved by the Hon Majority Leader.
Question put and Motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT 12:25 p.m.
  • The House was accordingly adjourned at 12.28 p.m. till Friday, 14th June, 2013 at 10.00 a.m.