I am advised that PQ Nos. B/67 and B/83 will be answered by the hon. Prime Minister, time permitting of course.  Hon. Dr. Chady, your question.

RAMKURRUN, MR BOJH - VILLAGE COUNCILLOR - POLICE CASE

           (No. B/43) Dr. S. Chady (Second Member for Port Louis Maritime and Port Louis East) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether he will, for the benefit of the House, ascertain from the Commissioner of Police if a case of embezzlement and/or larceny has been reported against one Broj Rambojun, a village councillor for the Poste de Flacq Village Council and, if so, will he make a statement thereon.

          The Prime Minister:  Sir, I assume that the hon. Member is referring to Mr Bojh Ramkurrun.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that on 22 March 2002, one Councillor of the Poste de Flacq Village Council reported a case of embezzlement against another Councillor of the same Village Council, Mr Bojh Ramkurrun, who is also a member of the Moka Flacq/District Council.

The Police enquiry is still going on in this case.

          Dr. Chady: It would appear that there was un détournement de fonds of  a sum of  R 26,000, a donation of St Géran Hotel, which was supposed to be allocated to old persons. Could the Rt. hon. Prime Minister find out whether this is true?

          The Prime Minister:  If it is so, then the enquiry will reveal that.

          Dr. Chady: Would the Rt. hon. Prime Minister also confirm whether the said person is a  Constituency Clerk, or an Adviser to a Minister?

          The Prime Minister: He used to be.

(Interruptions)

          Dr. Chady: Was he the Constituency Clerk of Mr Koonjoo? May we know when he left?

(Interruptions)

          The Prime Minister: Mr Bojh Ramkurrun was employed as Constituency Clerk on 17 September 2000 up to 14 March 2001. 

INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION -   COMMISSIONER  - RECRUITMENT

          (No. B/44) Dr. A. Boolell (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle)  asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether he will state when the Commissioner of the Independent Commission Against Corruption will be recruited.

          The Prime Minister: Sir, now that the Prevention of Corruption Act 2002 has been proclaimed, I wish to assure the House that the Commissioner will be appointed very shortly.

         Dr. Boolell:  I would  like to know from  the Rt. hon. Prime Minister, how  soon is soon? Because he made it very clear that this Government, apparently, is keen to wage war against corruption and to reduce it to zero level and yet they are taking all their time.  We have been informed that the matter has been raised in Cabinet, without any discussion with the Leader of the Opposition or the President.

          The Prime Minister: We have not taken all the time; all the time is still before us.

          Dr. Boolell: Mr Speaker,  then it shows that Government does not have the will at all to fight corruption and, in the meantime, the Revenue Authority is still  dealing with so many cases which are pending.

          Mr Speaker: No statement, please.

RADDHOA, MR HURRYDEO - CHIEF INSPECTOR OF POLICE - TRANSFER

         (No. B/45) Dr. S. Chady (Second Member for Port Louis Maritime and Port Louis East) asked the  Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications, whether he will, for the benefit of the House and in regard to Mr Hurrydeo Raddhoa, Chief Inspector of Police, obtain information from the Commissioner of Police as to whether he has been transferred from the Curepipe Criminal Investigation Division and, if so, the date of such transfer and the reasons therefor.

          The Prime Minister: Sir, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that Chief Inspector Raddhoa was transferred from Central Division (Curepipe) CID to the Centralised Training Wing (CTW) of the Special Mobile Force on 16 October 2001.

          Transfer of members of the Police Force from one division to another, on promotion, is a common practice as is the case for the civil servants in the public service.  Furthermore, such transfers are effected in the interest of the service.

          Dr. Chady:  Mr Speaker, Sir, can the  Rt. hon. Prime Minister tell the House, how is it that the Chief Inspector of Police, Mr Raddhoa, who was doing a perfect job, and was even decorated by the State,  was transferred just like that from the CID of Curepipe to the Centralised Training Wing of the Special Mobile Force?  How does the Rt. hon. Prime Minister reconcile the fact that Mr Raddhoa was doing a perfect job  at the CID of Curepipe  and then he was suddenly transferred to the SMF?  Il y eu même des articles de presse à ce sujet.

         The Prime Minister: I can't pass judgement on the work of Mr Raddhoa.

        Dr. Chady: Could the Rt. hon. Prime Minister tell us in what way  Mr Raddhoa has  been promoted since he has been transferred? 

(Interruptions)

         The Prime Minister said that he has been promoted! May we know what was the promotion?

          The Prime Minister: By the Public Service Commission.

          Dr. Chady: Well, maybe, the Rt. hon. Prime Minister could find out from the Commissioner of Police.

          The Prime Minister: The hon. Member should come with a specific question.

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr. Chady, the answer is that the Chief Inspector of Police has been promoted by the PSC and there is no Minister answerable for the Public Service Commission here.

  NABABSING, DR. PARAMHAMSA - ADVISER TO PMO 

         (No. B/46) Dr. S. Chady (Second Member for Port Louis Maritime and Port Louis East) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether in regard to Dr. Paramhamsa Nababsing, Adviser attached to his Office, he will state -

(a)      his duties and functions and other matters for which he is responsible, and

(b)     his terms and conditions of employment.

            The Prime Minister:  Sir, Dr. Paramhamsa Nababsing is employed as Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on a contract basis with effect from 02 October 2000 for a period of one year, renewable.  His contract was renewed on same terms and conditions for a further period of one year with effect from 02 October 2001.

His duties are as follows -

To advise the Prime Minister generally on matters under his responsibility including parliamentary business and to perform such functions as may be assigned.

The terms and conditions of his employment are -

(i) Salary: R 42,250 a month plus salary compensation at approved rates.
(ii) Travelling:
     (a) 100% duty free facilities in accordance with regulations in force for the purchase of a car of up to 2000c.c.
     (b) Travelling allowance of   R 5,250 monthly
(iii) Driver's allowance:          R 5,000 monthly
(iv) Passage benefits:          5% of annual salary
(v) Gratuity:  25% of salary drawn, payable on completion of 12 months' satisfactory service
(vi) Telephone:Rent free telephone and 100 free local call units monthly.
(vii) Leave:        
      (a) Sick leave at the rate of 21 working days for every year of contract.  Sick leave not taken in a particular year 
           would not be convertible into cash.
      (b) Annual leave at the rate of 21 working days.  Such leave not taken may be cashed at the end of each year of 
           contract or may be accumulated.

          Dr. Nababsing also chairs the Work Permit Committee for which he is paid a monthly fee of R 6,000.

          Dr. Chady: I would like to know whether the Rt. hon. Prime Minister did mention that Dr. Nabababsing is also the Chairman of the Board of Investment?

          The Prime Minister: In fact, he is sitting on several other Boards.  I am concerned with the question, that is, his duties and functions as Adviser.

          Dr. Chady: But then, he is also drawing a salary as the Chairman of the Board of Investment.  Ma be the Prime Minister can find out whether Dr. Nababsing is also sitting on the Board of Air Mauritius and that of the Mauritius Telecom?  Dr. Nababsing must surely be drawing a salary from these Boards and I was sure the Rt. hon. Prime Minister would be transparent enough to tell us how much he is drawing since we are talking about gaspillage  and VAT increase.

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr. Chady, your question is limited to Dr. Nababsing as Adviser to the Office of the Prime Minister.

          Mr Baloomoody: I would like to ask the Rt. hon. Prime Minister whether he can confirm that Advisers to the previous Prime Minister  on top of their  salaries  were having R 20,000 as housing allowance…

(Interruptions)

That's Mr Finette! R 15,000 as extra duty allowance; R 10,000 as entertainment allowance; two first-class tickets for them and their families to travel per year ….

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Baloomoody, this question relates to Dr. Nababsing and not to others.

RODRIGUES - DRUG TRAFFICKING

          (No. B/47) Mr J. Von-Mally (Third Member for Rodrigues) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether, in regard to drug trafficking in Rodrigues, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to -

(a)    the number of gandia plants uprooted since 01 January 2001 to date, indicating the localities concerned, and

(b)   the measures taken to combat same, indicating if any sniffer dog has been sent to Rodrigues for drug detection and, if not, why not.

         The Prime Minister: Sir, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that a total of 291 gandia plants have been uprooted in Rodrigues from year 2001 to date as follows -

          With regard to part (b) of the question, the following measures have been taken by Rodrigues Police to combat drug trafficking -

(a)              an operational plan has been put up to track people in the drug business;

(b)             a mass sensitization campaign is underway against the ill-effects of drugs;

(c)             a scheme is in place to enlist the voluntary support and collaboration of the public in the fight against drug;

(d)             mounting of regular sweeping exercise in localities known for gandia cultivations; and

(e)              profiling of arrival and departure of passengers at main entry points.

      No sniffer dog is presently available in the island.

          In fact, out of the ten drug sniffer dogs available, only six are fully trained.  They are currently being deployed in Mauritius.

          However, there are four other sniffer dogs presently undergoing training at the SMF, among which one has been earmarked for Rodrigues on the completion of its training towards the end of May 2002.

          Mr Von-Mally: Mr Speaker, Sir, I hope the Rt. hon. Prime Minister would agree with me that this drug problem is becoming very alarming in Rodrigues whereby a small mafia is building up in Rodrigues. Would the Rt. hon. Prime Minister put up a special squad in Rodrigues to combat this drug problem?

          The Prime Minister: We are doing everything to dismantle that mafia.

Bundhoo, Mr Beedianand - birth certificate - wrong issue

          (No. B/48) Mr A. K. Gungah (Third Member for Grand'Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether he will use his good offices to alleviate the hardship sustained by Mr Beedianand Bundhoo residing at Dispensary Road, Triolet, who has been registered as being dead at the Civil Status Office of Victoria Hospital in 1987, but who is well alive.

          The Prime Minister: Sir, following recent press articles in the case of Mr Bundhoo, my office called Mr Bundhoo. His son turned up and submitted a set of all relevant papers to the Secretary to the Cabinet.

          An initial investigation carried by my office has revealed that the Police had, in fact, conducted an inquiry into the matter as far back as 1997 and on the advice of the DPP, it had submitted its report to the Ministry of Social Security and the Civil Status Office on 14 October 1998 for appropriate action.

          It would appear that no action had been taken by any of the two departments also.

          On 28 June 1999, Mr Beedianand Bundhoo wrote to Prime Minister's office explaining his predicament.  No concrete action was also taken at that time.

          My office will call a meeting this week with all parties concerned with a view to regularising the whole situation.

          Dr. David: May I know, Mr Speaker, Sir, who was Prime Minister responsible for Civil Status Office in 1987? 

(Interruptions)

Mr Speaker, Sir, if we go according to the question, it is not 1997. The question should have been reframed.

         Mr Speaker: Order, please!

  NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - ANNUAL REPORT 

         (No. B/49) Mr V. Baloomoody (Third Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether he will, following the annual report of the National Human Rights Commission, consider making it mandatory that in case of death in legal custody, the matter should be reported immediately to the District Magistrate for inquiry.

          The Prime Minister: Yes, Sir, I will look into the matter.

Vanessa Lagesse murder case - Mrs Elizabeth HenNesch  - objection to departure

         (No. B/50) Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Home Affairs and Minister of External Communications whether, in connection with the Vanessa Lagesse murder case, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police information as to whether -

(a)     there was an objection to departure concerning Mrs Elizabeth Hennesh who was the last person to have seen Miss Vanessa Lagesse alive;

(b)    any precautions were taken to prevent Mrs Hennesh from leaving the country after the murder, and

(c)    any decision has been taken to take a statement from Mrs Hennesh.

          The Prime Minister: Sir, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that as regards part (a) of the question, there was no objection to departure in respect of Mrs Elizabeth Hennesh as there was no evidence to show her involvement in the Vanessa Lagesse murder case.  Part (b) of the question therefore does not arise. 

As regards part (c), the Commissioner of Police has indicated that,  prior to the departure of Mrs Hennesh on 13 March 2001, a statement from her was recorded.  She returned to Mauritius on 16 March 2001 and stayed up to 15 May 2001.  During this period, five statements were recorded from her.

According to the Commissioner of Police, all the necessary statements from Mrs Hennesh that could shed light into the investigation had been recorded and that should the need for additional information arise, the Police will take the necessary action to that effect.

          Dr. David: Mr Speaker, Sir, is it not a deliberate attempt to have allowed that lady who was the last person to have seen Vanessa Lagesse to leave the country? Now, we are told by the Rt. hon. Prime Minister that the Police did not find it fit or suitable to ask that lady to stay into the country while the inquiry was going on. She was the last lady who has seen Vanessa Lagesse alive. I know the Deputy Prime Minister is reacting a bit nervously, but I am going to ask my question again. She was the last person to have seen that lady alive and yet, the Police did not find it fit to ask that lady to stay in the country until the inquiry is over.

          Mr Speaker: Is it a question, hon. David?

          Dr. David: Yes, it is a question.

          Mr Speaker: I am not sure.

          Dr. David: From all the answers that we have received since last May, the Prime Minister said that she left the country because...

          Mr Speaker: The hon. Member should frame his question properly and put it anew.

          Dr. David: I have framed it again and again, Mr Speaker, Sir. Culprit number one -  in this case - is this Government.

  Flacq District Court - RENOVATION WORKS 

          (No. B/67) Mr R. Daureeawoo (Third Member for Montagne Blanche and GRSE) asked the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Human Rights whether, in regard to the Flacq District Court, he will state –

(a)       if the renovation works have been completed and, if so, the expenditure incurred thereon, and

(b)      whether new computers have been installed for the Magistrate and the staff and, if so, at what costs.

          The Prime Minister: Sir, with your permission, I am replying to this question.

          I am informed that the renovation works at the Flacq District Court have been completed at a total cost of R 5,514,872.

          As regards part (b), of the question, I am advised that new computers have been installed for the Magistrates and staff.  However, they are not  operational as electrical works have not yet been completed.

          Mr Daureeawoo: Would the hon. Prime Minister agree that so much money has been spent on the renovation of Flacq District Court, however up to now, there is practically no public toilets? I think that public officers, witnesses and people, in general, have been complaining. Can the hon. Prime Minister look into the matter?

          The Prime Minister: The building has been renovated, there was no toilet there?

          Mr Daureeawoo: From what I understand there were public toilets, but then they have been closed down or there are no doors at all meaning that they can't be used. 

          The Prime Minister: In that case, I need notice of that question.

INTERMEDIATE AND INDUSTRIAL COURTS - SENIOR PRESIDING MAGISTRATES 

          (No. B/83) Mr V. Baloomoody (Second Member for Riviere des Anguilles and Souillac) asked the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Human Rights whether, he will state when the following posts will be filled up –

(a)   the second post of Presiding Magistrate, Intermediate Court;

(b)  the post of Senior Presiding Magistrate, Intermediate Court, and

(c)   the post of Senior Presiding Magistrate, Industrial Court.

           The Prime Minister: Sir, with your permission, I am replying to this question.

As the House is aware, the filling of these posts rests with the Judicial and Legal Service Commission.

I am informed that the Chief Justice, who is also the Chairman of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, had since early last week arranged for a meeting on Wednesday 03 April 2002 with the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Director of the Pay Research Bureau regarding filling of vacant posts in the Judicial Department.

ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE  - HAJ - FACILITATEURS & ENCADREURS - SELECTION

          (No. B/51) Dr. R. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture whether he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Islamic Cultural Centre Information as to -

(a)              the procedures adopted for the selection of facilitateurs or encadreurs accompanying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and the training they have been given and the expenditure incurred, and

(b)             their names, specifying whether they travelled alone or with their spouse.

           The Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations (Mr S. Soodhun): Sir, with your permission, I would like to answer this question.

(a)              Procedures for selection of encadreurs

1.                 The procedures for selection of encadreurs were as follows 

(i)                applications were invited through radio and socio-cultural organisations;

(ii)              candidates were required to -

-                     have performed haj;  
-                     be knowledgeable about haj rites;

(iii)            have a good knowledge of the holy place in Macca and Madina;

(iv)            have social commitment; and

(v)              have a basic knowledge of Arabic.

2.                 200 applicants were received and 80 candidates were shortlisted by the Islamic Cultural Centre to follow training sessions which started in early September 2001.

3.                 The training sessions were conducted at Rabita Hall in Port Louis, at the Islamic Cultural Centre and on a regional basis.

4.                 Subsequently, a final selection of 28 encadreurs was made.  A list is being laid on the Table of the Assembly.

5.                 The total expenditure incurred for the 28 encadreurs amounts R 860,000 including airfare, tanazzul/accommodation and an allowance of 1000 Saudi Rials, that is about R 8000 per person.

(b)             Four encadreurs travelled with their spouses, who personally met all their expenses.

          Dr. Chady: I would like to ask the Minister whether there have been complaints about those encadreurs and facilitateurs that he has received in this office.

          Mr Soodhun: Yes, Sir, there have been complaints from a few encadreurs.   These have been considered by the committee and we are going to remedy the situation in future. 

          Mr Abdoola: I would like to ask the hon. Minister how was the case in the past, for example, in 1998/99, whether pilgrims were being accompanied and what were the associated costs and by whom they were being accompanied?

          Mr Soodhun: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Haj mission was composed of 11 members and each member was allocated R 120,000, which made a total of R 1,320,000

          Dr. Beebeejaun: I would like to ask the Minister from where the source of funds came?

         Mr Soodhun: All the funding comes from the Islamic Cultural Centre.  Every year a sum of R 1.8 m. is allocated to the encadreurs and Haj mission - as it has always been.

         Dr. Beebeejaun:  As a matter of precision, does it come from charges made to Hajees or whether it comes from other sources? Could the hon. Minister clarify this?

         Mr Soodhun:  Not at all, Mr Speaker!  Not at all!  I would like to say again that all allowances have been met by the ICC, and not one cent from charges made to Hajees!

         Dr. Beebeejaun:  Could the Minister explain why the Haj costs much more this year than the previous years?

         Mr Soodhun:  A very interesting question, Sir!  I would like to quote an article from the newspaper "Star", of  30 May of 1998 …

        Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister cannot refer to the paper unless he is prepared to lay it on the Table.

        Mr Soodhun:  Sir, I am going to table a copy of this article.  It was reported in this newspaper; and I quote "Haj Committee, pas causé  zote existence!.  Une seule fois, à Macca, Vayid et les membres du comité sont venus.  A Madina, ils ne sont pas concernés.  Le ministre Peeroo d'alors dit :  Nous pé paye 2500  Rials.  Nous le gagne traitement de 3500 Rials."  En 1998 : 2500 Rials et en 2002 :  2700 et 2800 Rials.  Is it expensive?

HAJ 2002 - ORGANISATION

        (No. B/52) Dr. S. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture whether, in view of the fact that there has been a widespread dissatisfaction regarding the Islamic Cultural Centre in the organisation of Hajd 2002, he will set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into all the aspects of the problem.

        The Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations (Mr S. Soodhun): Sir, there is no widespread dissatisfaction regarding the organisation of Haj 2002 by the Islamic Cultural Centre. Some unfounded and negative comments especially in The Star Newspaper, which appear to be instigated by a few frustrated Haj organisers, have been made to create confusion in the minds of the public.  Hence, the question of appointing a commission of inquiry does not arise for the reasons that I am going to enumerate, for the information of the House -

§          For the first time, this year, four Maulanas and one Mufti were in the pilgrimage and several Hafizs and Islamic scholars were among the encadreurs.  They have given no unfavourable report on the pilgrimage.

I was myself present in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage and can assure the House that for the first time, the pilgrimage was conducted without the numerous problems and inconveniences which were experienced by pilgrims in the past.

§          For the first time, the pilgrims could perform the complete five full days haj contrary to the previous years when some could not reach Arafat in time;

§        No pilgrims had to attend hospital or suffered from health problems on their return contrary to the past years; this is an indication that they did not suffer discomfort during their pilgrimage;

§          This year, they were provided the services of four doctors for a lesser number of pilgrims instead of one doctor, as was the case in the past;

§          No building was overcrowded and in fact, the Tasreeh was meticulously respected.  For example, in one of the buildings accommodating 420 persons, there were only 310 pilgrims.

        Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, let me draw your attention to the question, which is a simple one : are you prepared to set up a commission of inquiry?   Is there then a need to go into details?

        Mr Soodhun: With due respect to you, Sir, I would like to give certain information so that hon. Members understand why there is no need to set up an inquiry.

§         At Macca, the six buildings were less than 300 metres from the Haram;

       Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister is saying that he is not going to set up a commission of  inquiry and he is giving the reasons.

       Mr Soodhun: Yes, Sir.

§          There were a building supervisor and 6 encadreurs in each building on a 24- hour basis;

§        For the first time - in the history of Mauritius - pilgrims were provided with beds in Madina and were housed in a 5-star hotel, which was only 150 metres from the Holy place;

§          All flights were in time for the return of pilgrims and there were no delays as in the past which could have caused undue stress among the pilgrims;

§          And, this is very important, Sir: a full meal was provided at my own expense to all the pilgrims before their departure from Jeddah.

(Interruptions)

It is very important to mention this, because rubbish has been said outside!

§                   This year, each Haji saved R 3,313 amounting to a total of R 4.2 m. approximately, instead of having to incur additional costs in Saudi Arabia as was the case in the past.

Sir, I would like to quote, for the information of the hon. Member, a letter from the Muassassah.

Sir, the organisation of Haj this year has been marked with much appreciation, specially by the Muassassah, which is the supreme Haj body in Macca responsible for Haj matters.  Its officers pay daily visits to buildings housing pilgrims and ensure that everything is according to rules and regulations. I quote -

"The fact that all Mauritian pilgrims performed Haj under the control of the mission has solved a lot of problems…..

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, I have given you quite some latitude to reply to the question.  I thought you were giving reasons why you were not prepared to set up a commission of inquiry.  But after having listened to this long reply, I think these are not the reasons.  You are going away from the main question.  You better lay the letter on the Table or circulate it.

          Mr Soodhun: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to table the letter from the Muassassah which is the official organiser.

          Dr. Chady:  The hon. Minister has given a long reply and I am going to put a few supplementary questions.  I think the hon. Minister is misleading the House because from the two reports that we received, it is said that there were two hotels.  Could he confirm that, in fact, there were two hotels and one hotel was far away from Haram Shariff.  It was on a steep slope and pilgrims had to climb some 101 stairs and the escalator was not working most of the time.  Could he confirm as to whether this kind of hotel was made available?   It might be a stone's throw to Mecca, but if it is on a slope and the pilgrims have to climb 101 stairs.

          Mr Soodhun: I can inform the hon. Member that I have been at the hotel.  The hon. Member himself was the head of mission in the past; he should know that Macca is a mountainous place.  In fact, I challenge anybody that the distance between the building – it is called Al-Jihaad  – and Macca is more than 300 metres. 

          Dr. Chady:   The hon. Minister has referred to press articles, but in one of the hotels there were more than seven persons in one room instead of four persons, as promised.  It is not true for the Minister to come and tell the House and the public at large that the pilgrims were provided with beds; and I am going to prove it right now.  Will the hon. Minister tell us whether it is true or not?

          Mr Soodhun: Sir,  all the rooms were verified and checked by Muassassah and we have gone according to the laws of Saudi Arabia.  There was no crowded room. 

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, Sir, we are hearing one version.  There are hajis who are saying that the  Muassassah never turned up and there was no inspection by the Muassassah.  Can I ask the hon. Minister how many pilgrims went for Haj this year?

          Mr Soodhun:  Mr Speaker, Sir, there were about 1400 pilgrims.

          Dr. Beebeejaun:  Figures are variously quoted.  I do not agree with them, but I will quote all the same that around 20 % were not happy, which makes about 300 or 400 people were not happy.  They expressed dissatisfaction.  It would be in the interest of transparency that once for all pour crever l'abcès, we have an inquiry carried out.  If the Minister is so proud that he had done it better than anyone, why doesn't he open himself to an inquiry?

          Mr Soodhun: For the first time after the Haj, the Haj mission has done a full report which I am going to table.  I would ask the hon. Member to go through this report.  Secondly, I am going to advise the hon. Member to contact all the Maulanas, the Muftis and the Muslim scholars.  He can't challenge the Maulanas.  I can't challenge the Maulanas.  I will advise him to go and see the Maulanas and inquire about all the Haj issue because they are independent persons. 

          Dr. Beebeejaun:   Mr Speaker, Sir, what have the Maulanas and the Muftis got to do with this exercise? 

          Mr Soodhun:   Shame! 

          Mr Lauthan:  Shame!

          Dr. Beebeejaun:  Shame on you to introduce politics into Haj!                               

(Interruptions)

          I am not introducing politics into Haj.  

(Interruptions)  

          Dr. Beebeejaun:  For your information, Mr Speaker, Sir, these Muftis and Maulanas were lodged in a five-star hotel while others were lodged in a one-star hotel. 

          The Deputy Prime Minister:  Shame!

          Dr. Beebeejaun:  Who was responsible for that situation?                                       

(Interruptions)

          Mr Soodhun:   Sir, I would advise the hon. Member to say it outside.  The Maulanas and the Muftis have the same status as Cardinal Margéot in this country.  I am not allowed to criticise Cardinal Margéot in the House.  The hon. Member will have to take his responsilities.  

          Dr. Beebeejaun: I disagree with the hon. Minister and assume full responsibility for what I am saying.  They should be doing their work here and not in Saudi Arabia.  That's the whole point.

          Dr. Chady: Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to table a newspaper.  It is not the ‘Star' newspaper, but the ‘Saudi Gazette' in which there is a photograph showing the Mauritian pilgrims on the floor.  There were thirteen of them in one room.  There are also several complaints from the pilgrims.  I will request the Minister for God's sake to set up an inquiry.  What is there to hide? 

          The Deputy Prime Minister: On a point of order, can we know what is the question instead of supposedly providing wrong information?                                  

(Interruptions)

          Dr. Chady: It is not a point of order

          Mr Speaker:  It is true that this is question time.

(Interruptions)

          Dr. Chady: This is more than a question.  I have substantiated with facts, figures and photographs.   I would like to ask the Minister whether he would conduct an inquiry into all this matter.

          Mr Soodhun: As far as the newspaper referred to by the hon. Member is concerned, on the following day, the same gentleman went to the ‘Saudi Gazette' and gave a totally different declaration.  This gentleman who came to Mauritius as X organiser brought 750 kilos of excess weight  this year.  Can we trust such people?                        

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker:  Order!   I suspend for lunch until 2.30 p.m.

          At 12.45 p.m. the sitting was suspended.

          On resuming at 2.40 p.m. with Mr Speaker in the Chair.

                                                    MOTION

Suspension of Standing Order 10(2)

          The Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, I move that all the business on today's Order Paper be exempted from the provisions of paragraph (2) of Standing Order (10).

          The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded.

          Question put and agreed to.

CERVICAL CANCER - SCREENING

          (No. B/53) Dr. R. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South & Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Health & Quality of Life whether, in regard to the screening for cervical cancer, he will-

          (a)for the period 01 August 2001 to 31 January 2002 give-

             (i)    the number screened;

            (ii)   the number of smears reported upon, and

            (iii)  the total number of smears awaiting report to date;

         (b) give the number of women who have not been informed of their result to date, indicating how long they 
              have been waiting, and

         (c) give the number of pathologists and technicians who have received training during the past year.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Sir, I am informed that-

(a)   For the period 01 august 2001 to 31 January 2002-

(i)   7,179 persons were screened for cervical cancer.

(ii) As regards the reporting of the smears, the World Health Organisation has agreed to finance same under its 2001-02 Biennium Programme.  Consequently, it carried out a tender exercise in September 2001 with a view to contracting out the reporting of 6,500 smears.  A local private laboratory was thus awarded the contract for the examination of the smears.  However, the laboratory had at the last minute in February this year indicated its inability to undertake the work.  No penalty clause was included in the contract.  As such, during the period August to December 2001, only 1,017 slides were reported upon.

(iii) Consequently, the number of smears awaiting report as at 20 March 2002 was 11,833.  The WHO has now agreed to assign the reporting of 6,500 smears to the Government Pathologists of the Central Laboratory, Victoria Hospital.  The latter have agreed to carry out this task after their normal working hours subject to their being paid a fee.  I am informed that by the end of June 2002, about 9,000 smears from the backlog will be reported upon by them.  Concurrently, the team of pathologists will carry out the reporting of smears being taken presently to ensure that there will be no further backlog and all smears received are examined within a period of two to three weeks.  Consultations will also be held with the WHO for the financing of the reporting of the remaining smears under its 2002-03 Biennium Programme.  In case no funds will be available under that programme, the cost for the reporting of the smears will be met from my Ministry's vote.

(b)  As at to date, 11,833 women have not been informed of their results.  The number of smears collected monthly is about 1,200.  Therefore, some women may have waited for about 10 months while others are waiting for a couple of weeks only.

(c)   I would wish to refer the hon. Member to the reply made to PQ No. B/403 on 22 May 2001.  I wish to confirm that histopathology and cytopathology for cervical screening form an integral part of the professional training of pathologists.  The question for specific training to pathologists for reporting of smears does not therefore arise.  However, as and when refresher courses are available, arrangements are made for the pathologists to attend same with a view to updating their knowledge in the field.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, Sir, I leave it to the House to judge what's happening.  It's awful!  Eleven thousand women waiting for so many months for their reports!  I would, therefore, like to ask the Minister when he is hoping for an improvement in the cervical cancer treatment.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: I have just answered that there has been a problem because the World Health Organisation had undertaken to contract out as far as the reporting of smears is concerned.  Unfortunately, the firm to which the contract had been awarded refused it at the last minute.  As I said in my reply, unfortunately again, there was no penalty clause in the contract.   The World Health Organisation has again undertaken to re-tender and now it is the Government Pathologists who will be doing the work after normal working hours against the payment of a fee.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been stated in previous answers to questions that 3,000 smears had been read over a certain period of time.  Who were reading them and why did the reading of smears stop?

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, this type of work has started only after March 2001.  Prior to that, it has been possible to carry out the reading of all the smears because it was done on a small scale.  With the launching of the caravane de la santé, a number of women are now being screened for cervical cancer.  I must concede that there has been a delay - this is clear from the answer I have given - but the fault is not due to the Ministry.  As I said, 1,200 smears are taken every month now.  This is the reason why there has been a backlog, but we are looking into the matter so that this sort of problem does not recur in the future.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Before embarking on such an intensive campaign, the Minister should have given some thought to planning.  There is absolutely no point in doing smears if they are not going to be read.  From the figures previously published there must be about 300 to 400 women who are at risk of cervical cancer and who have not been reported upon, and I think we are giving them false hope and false information.  Instead of doing 1,200 smears a month, I would ask the Minister to tailor his campaign to what he can do.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, of course, everything was taken on board.  The problem arose when the World Health Organisation came in and decided to finance the reporting of the smears.  It is because they did not include in the contract a penalty clause that the firm to which the contract had been awarded has been able to back out.  We have taken all this on board and I can give the assurance to the House that we are working on this issue.  We have undertaken that project as from March 2001, and the Opposition has not done one thousandth of what we are doing while they were in Government.  We are not giving any false information.  The Opposition Members just have to go and ask the people who have been screened how happy they have been - hospitals are running towards them instead of them going to hospitals.  This is what we are doing in this country, Mr Speaker, Sir.  It's no use to just come here and say that we are giving false information.  If we have not even given the results, how could we have given false information?

          Dr. Beebeejaun: I would refer the Minister to the replies to PQs No. B/403 and B/404 which he, himself, quoted.  Unfortunately, it was in his absence and the Minister answering the question gave us the guarantee that things would improve as from there and then, and this was in May, last year. 

DOCTORS (FOREIGN)/PATIENTS  – COMMUNICATION

          (No. B/54) Dr. R. Beebeejaun (Second Member for Port Louis South and Port Louis Central) asked the Minister of Health & Quality of Life whether he will state what measures he has taken to make communication between patients and foreign doctors comprehensible to both parties

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, the recruitment of foreign doctors should be viewed in its right perspective.

          The Ministry of Health & Quality of Life has been facing an acute shortage of doctors for some years now.  In order to ease the staffing situation, the Ministry has had recourse to various schemes, including recruitment of doctors from the private sector on sessional and on contractual basis.  Despite the implementation of these schemes, it had not been possible to recruit the required number of doctors on the local market.

          In view of the poor response from private doctors, my Ministry considered the various options to tackle the problem of shortage of doctors.  We, as a responsible Government, could not allow this problem to remain unresolved.  Something had to be done.  Therefore, in order to palliate the shortage of doctors in the short run, the decision was taken, as a last resort, for the recruitment of doctors from abroad.  Following a selection exercise carried out in October last, 39 doctors have been recruited from India.  I must point out that there were already 18 foreign doctors working at medical and health officer level and 15 at specialist level in the public sector prior to October 2001.  There were also 12 foreign doctors in the private sector.

          Mr Speaker, Sir, we are conscious of the fact that some problems of communication may arise between the foreign doctors and the patients at the beginning, as was the case with other foreign doctors working previously.  But this problem cannot be tackled overnight.  We must, at least, allow those doctors a period of adaptation.  Besides, it should be borne in mind that those foreign doctors do not work in isolation but work as a team consisting of medical, nursing and para-medical staff.  At the beginning, they are posted to work in units other than in the Casualty Department under the supervision of consultants, specialists and other local medical & health officers.  The posting of these foreign doctors in the Casualty Department, where a face-to-face communication between the patient and the doctor is essential, will only be considered once they become more conversant with the Creole language.  Therefore, the risk of language constituting a barrier between the patients and the doctors is minimised. 

          Furthermore, I wish to point out that the newly recruited doctors have followed an orientation course organised by the Mauritius Institute of Health to familiarise themselves with the health system in Mauritius.  "Working and communicating with the Mauritian public" was one of the components of the orientation course.  I am informed by the Executive Director of the Mauritius Institute of Health that the doctors are fully satisfied with that course.

          May I add that in the course of the monthly management meetings I have in each Regional Hospital, the consultants themselves have confirmed that they are satisfied with the performance of the foreign doctors and that the latter are gradually integrating the system.  Besides, a few of them have even started to speak some Creole.  Moreover, up to now, not a single official complaint from any quarter has been received against the Indian doctors.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, Sir, obviously, the Minister is drawing his information from staff, doctors.  What I would ask him to do – I know that he goes to hospitals regularly – is to let the public come to him.  The public will tell him what is the problem. 

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr. Beebeejaun, put your question, please.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: So, the question I am asking him is the following: at the beginning there were interpreters.  Nurses were supposed to be interpreting, and we are short of nurses.  What is the situation today?  Who is interpreting between these doctors and the patients?

          Mr A. Jugnauth: This is wrong information.  I don't know where the hon. Member has gathered that information.

          Dr. Beebeejaun: From patients.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Listen!  Which patient?  When patients need money to go abroad, they know where to go. 

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Order!  Hon. Dr. Beebeejaun, you will be having the floor because you have set the question.  There is no need for you to ask questions from a sitting position. 

(Interruptions)

No, you will ask questions from a standing position, when I'll give you the floor.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, if patients want to make any complaint, they know where to go in each of the regional hospitals.  If there is a problem, they should not go to hon. Dr. Beebeejaun to make their complaint.  The hon. Member should tell them where to go and make their complaint instead of asking them to come to him.  Then, their complaints will become official; as long as the complaint comes to the hon. Member, it will not be official.  Once, the official complaint has been made, we will look into it.  But, as I have already explained in my answer, these Indian doctors do not have a face to face situation with the public on their own actually.  It is only in the various units that they are working under the supervision of other local RMOs and specialists.

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Order!

          Mr A. Jugnauth: I don't know what they have got against Indian doctors, but these Indian doctors 

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Hon. Dr. Beebeejaun, please!  You are in control of this question.  You will have the opportunity to put supplementary questions.  Why are you arguing with the Minister from a sitting  position?

(Interruptions)

          Dr. Beebeejaun: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am appealing again to the Minister.  Unfortunately, he is not getting the report.  For your information, do you know who are interpreting towards these doctors today?  Maid servants, domestics and, sometimes, gardeners!  They are called and asked to interpret what is being said.  So, just for your information, I'll stop there.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: I think the hon. Member has got wrong information from his son. 

  SIT LAND HOLDINGS LTD – 7,000 ARPENTS OF LAND - PURCHASE

          (No. B/55) Dr. A. Boolell (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources whether he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to which company will manage the 7,000 arpents purchased by the Sugar Investment Trust and the cost of management of the land under sugar cane plantation.

           Mr P. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, the 7,000 arpents of land was purchased by SIT Land Holdings on 28 February 2002.  SIT Land Holdings Limited is a public company controlled by the Sugar Investment Trust.

In this context, SIT Land Holdings Limited had undertaken to enter into a management contract with Mon Trésor Mon Désert for cane cultivation.  The terms and conditions of this management contract are presently being discussed by both parties under the guidance of the Mauritius Sugar Authority and are expected to be finalised by the end of April 2002.

I am advised that the management contract is strictly on a cost basis in accordance with the deed of purchase, which stipulates that, and for the benefit of the House, I will quote the relevant clause–

 "Il est expressément convenu que les réclamations du vendeur pour les prestations de service ne pourront en aucun cas comprendre un élément de profits ou faire référence à aucune formule se référant à un élément de profits. Lesdites réclamations seront faites exclusivement au prix coûtant" – that is, on a cost basis.

FREE ZONE WORKERS – LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT - SOCIAL AID

           (No. B/56) Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW & Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Labour & Industrial Relations whether a survey has been carried out among the thousands of workers of the industries of the free zone who have lost their employment to find out how many of them have been compelled, out of poverty, to stop schooling their children and –

(a)              if so, will he

(i)                give the number; and

(ii)              say what remedial actions have been taken, and

(b)             if not, why not.

            The Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity & Senior Citizens Welfare and Reform Institutions (Mr S. Lauthan): Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I'll reply to this question.  No survey has been carried out in respect of workers who have lost their employment in the free zone, to find out the number of children who have stopped schooling.

However, my Ministry does offer assistance under the Social Aid Act and the Unemployment Hardship Act.  Quantum of payable benefits have been tabled for ease of reference.

The Social Aid assistance is provided, to relieve the person from immediate hardship, within one month of application of loss of job.  The unemployment hardship relief, on the other hand, is payable after one month of registration and until such time that applicant is re-employed.

I am proposing to consult my colleagues, the Minister of Industry & International Trade, the Minister of Labour & Industrial Relations and the Minister of Education & Scientific Research on this subject.  In the meantime, my Ministry is compiling the figures in respect of people who have applied for assistance as a result of the loss of job in the free zone.

          Dr. David: Mr Speaker, Sir, in fact, there are many parents who have stopped schooling their children, precisely because they have lost their job. 

          The Deputy Prime Minister: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Sir.  Again, this is wrong information.  Information is being provided instead of a question being asked, Mr Speaker.

          Dr. David: This is not…

          The Deputy Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, I am on my feet.  I wait for your ruling.  So, the point of order is taken, Mr Speaker, I would wish to have your ruling.

          Mr Speaker: The point has been well taken.  I have said time and again that Members have to put questions at question time, and not provide information.  It is for Ministers to provide the information asked.  From what hon. Dr. David said, I can say that he is, in fact, giving information.

          Dr. David: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has answered that no survey has been carried out.  This is why I am maintaining that since there are so  many parents who have stopped schooling their children, will the Minister consider …

          The Deputy Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, on the same point of order.  The hon. Member is flouting openly your ruling.  I think you should enforce the ruling.

          Dr. David: Therefore, will the Minister agree to carry out a survey to find out whether the number of parents …… 

(Interruptions)

Well, when we talk of workers and people who stop schooling their children, I know that he is very nervous on that issue.

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Order! Order please! Let me say it loud and clear like hon. Dr. Boolell  has the habit of saying that if you are on your feet and you don't put questions, I will ask you to take your seat.

          Dr. David: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Minister has said that there has been no survey. Therefore, I am requesting that a survey be made.

          Mr Speaker: That is better.

          Mr Lauthan: Sir, I have just said that these figures are not readily available.  We are trying to compile them.  As far as children who have left school are concerned, shall I remind the hon. Member that he himself was Minister of Education, he never thought of compiling such figures. 

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Next question, hon. Dr David!

PENSIONERS/LOW-INCOME EARNERS - WASTE WATER-RATES

          (No. B/57)  Dr. J. B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Public Utilities whether in view of the fact that the present waste water rates is a source of financial hardship, he will state what measures he envisages to take to alleviate the burden of pensioners and low-income earners.

           Mr Ganoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, as the House is aware, the Sector Policy Letter for the wastewater sector was approved by the previous Government in 1998 which letter contained a commitment towards the funding agencies participating in the financing of the Sewerage Master Plan to review the wastewater rates.  In this regard, the Sector Policy Letter recognises the need to impose wastewater rates which should be affordable to users.

I have already stressed in this House the importance and urgency to provide the country with proper sewage disposal facilities to prevent irreversible damages to our resources.  Sir, presently around 20% of the population is served by a sewer system and there exist thousands of cesspits which may affect our major acquifers whereas disposal in the sea without adequate treatment may endanger our marine resources.  Hence, the necessity to implement the Sewerage Master Plan which requires massive investment.

Over the last three years, Government has invested around one billion rupees in the implementation of major projects in the wastewater sector over and above some R 160 m. as recurrent expenditure. Some R 7 billion will be disbursed over the next five years to complete projects already earmarked for implementation and by the year 2007, 50% of the country would  be connected to the system.  Since January 2000, wastewater rates are being levied on the basis of water consumption.  It is to be noted that the rates imposed so far allows for the recovery of only part of the operation and maintenance costs. It must be noted that these rates are highly subsidized in as much as the investment and depreciation costs are not being recovered.  The rates in force have taken into consideration the affordability of the low income groups by -

(a)              applying small increases to lower bands of consumption thus maintaining the first band below the average cost; and

(b)             keeping the minimum charge at an affordable level.

The House may wish to note that the minimum charge based on a monthly consumption of 10 m³ is now R 40 instead of R 40.50 previously.  Accordingly, Sir, some 7,000 consumers have not been affected by the new rates introduced in January of this year.

          Dr. David: Mr Speaker, Sir, my question was: how can the Minister help in alleviating the burden of pensioners and low-income earners?

          Mr Speaker: What is the question of the hon. Member now?

          Dr. David: It is very clear, Mr Speaker, Sir; and I haven't got any answer.

          Mr Speaker: I have no control over the answers.  Next question hon. Von-Mally!

RODRIGUES - ROADS - CONSTRUCTION/TARRING

         (No. B/58) Mr J. Von-Mally (Third Member for Rodrigues) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues whether in regard to road construction/tarring in Rodrigues, he will make a statement on the rate at which work is being done, and table the priority list for such works, indicating if the access road to Dans Cocos, Mge Bois Noir and the one linking Citronelle to Terre Rouge are included therein.

          Mr Lesjongard: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am informed that -

(a)              road construction/tarring is effected according to a priority list and that an amount of R 25 m. has been earmarked for such works during this financial year. The priority list is being tabled.  In addition, an amount of R 70 m. is provided for the construction of Phase 2 of the road from Port Mathurin to Plaine Corail.

(b)             Out of the six (6) new road projects on the priority list, the first two roads, namely Mt. Goyaves to Baladirou  (2 km) and Mt. Du Sable to Baie Malgache (2.8 km) are presently being constructed at the estimated cost of R 14 m. each.

With regard to the rehabilitation/improvement of roads appearing in the priority list, the Latanier - St. Gabriel road has been completed and the remaining three are now being attended to. The total length of road that has been constructed/rehabilitated during this financial year is as follows -

          Mt. Goyaves - Baladirou                       2.0 km
          Mt. Du Sable - Baie Malgache               2.8 km
          La Ferme - Quatre Vents                       4.0 km
          Port Mathurin - Oyster Bay                     4.0 km
          Latanier - St. Gabriel                              0.8 km

In order to complete the construction/rehabilitation works, funds  are being reallocated.

(c)              The access road to Dans Cocos, Montagne Bois Noir and the one linking Citronelle to Terre Rouge are not included in this year's priority list.  This project may be included in next year's priority list and consideration  may be given to the project, subject to availability of funds.

          Mr Von-Mally: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have put this question due to the fact that there are many school children living in these three regions who are suffering a lot, especially when it rains.  Therefore, I would like to ask the hon. Minister whether he will reconsider this priority list.  The hon. Minister of Education has been at Montagne Bois Noir a few weeks back and he has seen the problems encountered by these pupils. Will the hon. Minister reconsider the priority list?

          Mr Lesjongard: We'll look into the matter, Mr Speaker, Sir.

MAHEBOURG HOSPITAL - CONVERSION INTO AREA HEALTH CENTRE

          (No. B/59) Mr.  D. Roopun (Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Health and Quality of Life whether he will state on which criteria his Ministry based itself to direct the closing down of the Mahebourg hospital and say whether the same criteria was adopted for the extension and renovation of the Souillac and Flacq hospitals.

         Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I wish to reply to Parliamentary Questions B/59 and B/91 together as they relate to the same issue.

          At the very outset, I wish to inform the House that it has never been the intention of this Government to close down Mahebourg District Hospital.  In fact, what has been decided, in principle, by Government is the conversion of Mahebourg District Hospital into a modern area health centre with day care facilities to cater for the inhabitants of that region.  This decision has not been taken in a haphazard manner; it has been taken in the light of the findings of a study conducted by my Ministry.  The study has been undertaken as part of a global exercise to make judicious use of the scarce resources in the health sector.

          Prior to the coming into operation of Nehru Hospital in Rose Belle, Mahebourg District Hospital served its purpose.  However, with the setting up of the Nehru Hospital, the bed occupancy rate of Mahebourg Hospital has continued to decrease from 46.2 percent in 1992 to around 20 percent in the year 2001.  In-patient admission has declined from 7,555 in 1992 to 5,363 in 2001, representing a decline of nearly 29 percent. 

(Interruptions)

The number of operations performed upon in-patients has also declined from 282 in 1992 to 39 in 2001, representing a decline of about 86 percent.

          At present, six Medical and Health Officers, 70 Nursing Staff and 112 other para-medical and minor grade staff are posted on a full time basis to the hospital. It has an annual recurrent budget of R 57 m.

          The study undertaken by the Ministry has shown that -

(i)                the daily ratio  of in-patient to doctor is 2:1, i.e one doctor for     an average of two patients daily;

(ii)              there are five nursing staff caring for one in-patient daily;

(iii)            one nursing staff is catering for only 1.2 beds;

(iv)            the unit cost of an in-patient treatment and care is
R 4,500 compared to R 2,700 at J. Nehru Hospital; and

(v)              the unit cost of an outpatient attendance is R 480 compared to R 128 at L'Escalier Medi Clinic.

          Given the low occupancy rate, there is an annual net loss of approximately R 30 m. in terms of financial, capital and human resources for the running of the in-patient services at Mahebourg District Hospital. 

          It is obvious that very high costs are involved for the running of the hospital.  Besides, there is a wastage of human resources when there is already an acute shortage of personnel in other busy health institutions.  It is, therefore, proposed to cease all in-patient services and merge the existing area health centre and the OPD Department of the hospital so that it would operate as a full-fledged area health centre with ten-day beds.  It would operate from 9.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m from Monday to Saturday and from 9.00 a.m to noon on Sundays and Public Holidays.  Patients requiring admission would be transferred either to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital or Flacq Hospital where the bed occupancy rate is only around 60 percent for each hospital.  A round-the-clock ambulance service would be provided at the proposed area health centre. I would like to clear out one thing here, Mr Speaker, Sir, because some people have not understood when we say round-the-clock ambulance service, everybody says one ambulance.  The ambulance service does not consist of only one ambulance.  It is to be noted that Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital is about 15 minutes drive from Mahebourg Hospital.

          The present specialist OPD services in the fields of occupational health, psychiatry, dermatology, gynaecology & obstetrics, ophthalmology, ENT, paediatrics and non-communicable diseases will be strengthened.  The pharmacy, laboratory and X-ray services will be maintained. 

I wish to stress that the proposed arrangements are in the best interest of the population in that region.  They will benefit from a more efficient and effective service.

We cannot compare Mahebourg Hospital to Flacq Hospital as the latter has been upgraded into a regional hospital in line with the policy of the Ministry to provide each health region with a regional hospital.  I think doctors will understand what I am saying.

(Interruptions)

  As such, Flacq Regional Hospital caters for a population of about 170,000 in the eastern region and part of the district of Moka.

With regard to Souillac District Hospital, the decision to construct a new hospital was already taken in 1998 by the former Government.  When I assumed office in September 2000, the procedures for the implementation of the project had already reached an advanced stage.  However, I propose to review the functions of this district hospital and the present catchment area of the hospital which covers Baie du Cap, Rivière des Galets, Chamouny, Chemin Grenier, Surinam and Souillac, to include other regions on the western coast, like Rivière  Noire where they have to come to Candos.  We will have to review that catchment area. 

          Late, yesterday afternoon, I received a petition from the inhabitants of Mahebourg in connection with Mahebourg District Hospital.  I propose to meet the Forces Vives of the region in the coming days to explain to them the rationale behind the decision to convert Mahebourg District Hospital into a modern area health centre.

          Dr. David: Alle explique sa dans Mahebourg!

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker:  Order!

          Mr D. Roopun:   I thank the hon. Minister for his reply.  I would like to ask  the hon. Minister if he can consider the possibility of having a permanence  at the new area health centre so as to cater for patients and emergency cases and to have a doctor and nurses there on a 24-hr basis.

          Mr A. Jugnauth:  Mr Speaker, Sir, as I said, the decision was not taken haphazardly.  Of course, there might be flexibility.  This is a very convenient suggestion  and it will be looked into  favourably so that instead of having 70 nurses there at night, there will be only a few and maybe a doctor to keep a 24-hr service at the hospital. There is no problem about that.

          Dr. Boolell:  Mr Speaker, Sir, there has been a deliberate attempt on behalf of this Government to run down that  hospital…!

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker:  Hon. Dr. Boolell, please!  This is Question Time.

          Dr. Boolell:   I am putting the question.  I would like to know whether it is the policy of this Government to put the life of the weak, the vulnerable at risks, knowing perfectly well again…..

(Interruptions)

          The Deputy Prime Minister:  On a point of order, Mr Speaker, Sir….

          Dr. Boolell:  Shup up! I am not going to give way!

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker:  Hon. Dr. Boolell!

(Interruptions)

Order, please!

          Dr. Boolell: Is it the policy of this Government to take  stock…..

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Order, please! Order!  Hon. Dr. Boolell, please!

(Interruptions)

Hon. Dr. David, I don't want to hear from you anymore.  Let me make it clear, whenever there is a point of order, it is not a question of giving way or not giving way.  When there is a point of order, the hon. Member who rises on a point of order has the floor and the other Member has to take his seat.

          The Deputy Prime Minister:  Mr Speaker, I was taking the point of order that not only is the hon. Member trying to, supposedly, put in information, mais sur un ton absolument provocant.   So, I ask for your ruling that he be not allowed to provide information in any way.

          Dr. Boolell:    Is it not my right to provoke Government to react?

(Interruptions)

It is my right to provoke Government to react!  And I want them to react positively, Mr Speaker, Sir.  Is the Minister aware that this hospital caters for a wide catchment area, stretching from Petit Sable and Grand Sable, down to where all the hotels are located up to Pointe d'Esny? 

          Mr A. Jugnauth:  Mr Speaker, Sir, money has been no problem for some Government,  they have been throwing money away.…

(Interruptions)

As I said, I have taken everything into consideration.  We have talked about Flacq Hospital, we have talked about Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital.  Can anybody in this House tell me, that if somebody  falls ill in the southern region, he will go to Mahebourg Hospital, today, now, as Mahebourg Hospital is?  Mr Speaker, Sir, nobody will go there, everybody goes to J. Nehru Hospita

(Interruptions)

Listen!  Let me answer your question!  Everybody goes to J. Nehru Hospital because it was built with that particular idea, to be the regional hospital of that catchment area, which includes Mahebourg Hospital as well as Souillac Hospital.  This is the catchment area of J. Nehru Hospital.  Let me tell Members - those who don't know - that it is only in regional hospitals that we have specialists and consultants.  We don't have specialists and consultants in a district hospital and this is why there has been a sharp decline in the occupancy rate.  People don't go to Mahebourg hospital.  It is only politicaille that they are doing, asking us not to convert Mahebourg Hospital.

(Interruptions)

It is because the occupancy rate has been declining and we are losing money and wasting human resources.  We are providing a service there and all those  who are going to Mahebourg Hospital will still go there. And, as I said, we are going to review the transport system so that emergency cases that come there will directly be taken to J. Nehru Hospital.

          Dr. Chady: Mr Speaker, Sir, I want the Minister to confirm, instead of making a statement - that he is closing Mahebourg hospital and opening an area health centre. He will have just confirmed it so that his answer goes on record.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: If the hon. Member does not understand the English language, it is not my fault. Between closing and converting, there is a big difference. We are converting the hospital into an area health centre with a day care centre. If the hon. Member does not understand, that is his problem.

          Dr. Chady: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the hon. Minister, who is in charge of the health sector, give his definition of a hospital and an area health centre? He should give us the definition.

          Mr Speaker: Next question hon. Roopun!

          Dr. Chady: I have got one more supplementary question. I would like to ask the Minister also....

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: Hon. David, I won't listen to you any more from a sitting position. Hon. Chady!

          Dr. Chady: I would like to follow the question asked by hon. Roopun as to whether there would be somebody on permanence in the area health centre. I am asking the Minister at what time area health centres close usually. Are they operational on a 24-hour basis? How is he going to look into it?

          Mr A. Jugnauth:  It already exists at Dr. Yves Cantin, Black River and in that same line, we will do it at Mahebourg. Hon. Chady does not know anything about hospitals besides cinemas!

         Mr Chumroo: May I ask the hon. Minister to confirm whether the female ward of Long Mountain hospital was closed down?

        Mr Speaker: This is a different matter.

         Mr A. Jugnauth: We will come to it later

Le Chaland Area -Blue Bay Marine Park

         (No. B/60) Mr D. Roopun (Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Fisheries whether he is aware that fishermen fishing in the Le Chaland area are now being prevented from fishing and, if so, whether he will make a statement thereon.

          Mr Michel: Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that the lagoon at Le Chaland forms part of Blue Bay marine park. The Blue Bay marine park was proclaimed as a marine protected area through Proclamation No. 20 of year 2000 and designated as a marine park. The area falls within the conservation zone of the Blue Bay marine park.

Generally fishing is prohibited in the conservation zone. However, the Marine Protected Areas Regulations promulgated in Government Notice No. 172 of 2001 provide for two fishing zones in the area of Le Chaland. Fishing in such zones is permitted from the shore only and by means of hooks and lines. Moreover, registered fishermen are allowed to fish, subject to a permit, in the multiple use zone of the Blue Bay marine park which is confined to the waters in the outer reef areas.

I further wish to inform the House that wide consultations were held with all stakeholders for the preservation and conservation of the Blue Bay marine park and in particular the fisher associations. The Marine Protected Areas Regulations, which is the regulatory tool for the marine park, has been formulated through a consultative process. A core staff of fisheries officers posted at Blue Bay marine park has been conducting awareness campaigns about the marine park and educating all sea users about the park zoning and best practices at sea since quite some time.

Cité Tole, Mahebourg - squatters

          (No. B/61) Mr D. Roopun (Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether he will make a statement on the squatters of Cité Tole, near La Chaux Mahebourg, and say what steps have now been taken for their rehousing, especially in view of the fact that there is an ecological disaster threatening the region.

          Mr Choonee: Sir, there are, at present, 45 cases of squatting on Pas Géométriques - Rivière La Chaux at Mahebourg, commonly known as Cité Tole. Most of the structures are built with corrugated iron sheets and are occupied.

My Ministry has already served 'Notices to squatter' to most of them.

It is not the policy of Government to rehouse squatters. However, at present, there are NHDC apartments for sale throughout the island. A number of low cost NHDC housing units are also being constructed across the island, including the regions of Old Grand Port and Rose Belle, which are not far from Cité La Chaux.

The Trust Fund for the Social Integration of Vulnerable Groups has been requested to carry out a survey of the housing needs of the squatters of  Cité Tole and also to inform them of the facilities Government has put at the disposal of needy families in quest of a housing unit.

Petite Rivière & Canot - speed breakers

          (No. B/62) Mr M. Allet (Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping whether he has received any request for the installation of speed breakers at Petite Rivière and at Canot and, if so, when same will be installed.

           Mr Bachoo: Sir, in fact, I received a request for the installation of speed breakers at Petite Rivière and Canot. A site visit has already been carried out and locations along the main road of Petite Rivière identified for the putting up of four road humps. Work orders have already been issued to the contractor and it is expected that the works will be completed by the end of this month.

As regards Canot, a set of traffic lights, which includes pedestrian crossing facilities, has already been provided. I am informed that footpaths also exist along that road.

However, I have instructed officers of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Unit to carry out another site visit to find out whether there is need for any additional traffic calming measures such as provision of speed breakers, handrails at Canot.

I wish to point out that since June 2001, three humps have already been provided along Albion Road and three chevron signs indicating dangerous bends have also been installed along Petit Verger Road.

constituency no. 20 - PROJECTS - implementation

           (No. B/63) Mr M. Allet (Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues whether he will state the progress achieved to date in the implementation of the following projects in constituency No. 20 -

(a)   a community centre at Morcellement Montréal, Coromandel;

(b)  a market fair at Cité Barkly, and

(c)  a cloakroom at Petite Rivière.

           Mr Lesjongard: Mr Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) of the question, I understand that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has initiated tender procedures for the appointment of a consultant to design the community centre at Coromandel along with nine other community centres.

Regarding part (b) of the question, the newly appointed team of consultant at the National Development Unit will be requested to prepare a design for the project.

As regards part (c), a preliminary design was obtained from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on 07 February 2002. This has been forwarded to the consultants on 21 February 2002 for preparation of scope of works.

Souillac Police Station - renovation work

           (No. B/64) Dr N. Issimdar (Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac) asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport and Shipping whether he will state why the renovation work at the Souillac Police Station has stopped and when such work will resume.

            Mr Bachoo: Sir, the contract for renovation works to Souillac Police Station was awarded to Development Works Corporation on 19 January 2001 for a sum of R 2,047,930.50.

Renovation works were scheduled to start on 21 February 2001 with a contract period of six months, but could only start in May 2001 after the building was vacated.

It is to be noted that this building is listed as a Historical and National Monument. In this connection, the National Monuments Board invited architects of my Ministry to a meeting on 25 July 2001 where it was decided that a cost estimate be submitted for replacing the existing wooden shingles on the roof by new wooden shingles instead of aluminium sheets as initially proposed in the contract awarded to DWC. As a result, works had to be stopped.

The estimated cost of about R 4 m was forwarded in September 2001 to the Police Department.

After obtaining the necessary financial clearance, the Commissioner of Police informed my Ministry in February 2002 to proceed with the works.

On 21 February 2002, the DWC was requested to forward a fresh quotation based on the revised scope of works. As soon as the quotation of the DWC is received, it will be assessed and renovation works will resume.

Local government BILL (NEW) - INTRODUCTION

             (No. B/65) Mr J. C. Barbier (First Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues whether, in regard to reforms at local government level, he will -

(a)   make a statement on the working committee set up to that effect;

(b)  state if any report or preliminary report has been completed and submitted, and

(c)  indicate when the Bill for the implementation of same is likely to be introduced into the House.

            Mr Lesjongard: Mr Speaker, Sir, Mr L. P. R. Ahnee, C.S.K. former Judge was entrusted with the responsibility of drafting a new Bill to replace the Local Government Act, 1989. In early March 2002, Mr Ahnee submitted a first draft Local Government Bill for consideration. In view of the profound institutional, financial and administrative implications of the Bill, Government agreed on 15 March 2002 to the setting up of a high level Committee of Officials under the chairmanship of the Secretary to Cabinet and head of the Civil Service to examine the Bill. The first meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 04 April 2002.

As was the case for the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Bill, it is proposed to publicly ventilate the draft Local Government Bill once the recommendations of the Committee are received and considered by the Government. The final draft Bill will, thereafter, be introduced in the National Assembly.

          Mrs Perrier: Est-ce-que le nouveau projet de loi va tenir en compte le problème de discipline dans les administrations régionales afin de pouvoir sanctionner les abus de certains officiers qui, pendant leurs heures de travail, continuent à avoir une deuxième activité professionnelle, par exemple, vendre des produits AMC ou alors, être chauffeur d'autobus?

          Mr Lesjongard:  M. le président, cela forme partie de nos objectifs et je suis sûr que cela a été pris en considération dans le projet de loi.  

FIRINGA-TYPE HOUSES - CONSTRUCTION      

          (No. B/66) Mr J. C. Barbier (First Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether, in regard to the construction of Firinga-type houses, he will state -

(a)              the locations earmarked for same and the number of houses to be put up site-wise;

(b)             when construction work will start, and

(c)             when such houses will be handed over.

           Mr Choonee: Mr Speaker, Sir, a list showing the sites and the number of Firinga-type houses to be constructed per site for the first batch of 1093 houses out of 5000 units has been placed in the Library of the National Assembly.  Identification of sites for the remaining 3907 units is being processed.

Contract has already been awarded for a first batch of 524 units - work will start in May 2002 and the first batch of houses should be ready by December 2002.

Tender for another batch of 569 units will be launched during this month and it is expected that this batch will be delivered by beginning of 2003.

No. B/67 - See after PQ No. B/50

ROYAL ROAD, BEL AIR RIVIERE SECHE - HALL/DISCO/NIGHT CLUB - LICENCE

          (No. B/68) Mr R. Daureeawoo (Third Member for Montagne Blanche and GRSE) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues whether he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to whether a licence has been issued by the Moka Flacq District Council for the running and operation of a hall/disco/night club in the residential area along Royal Road, Bel Air Rivière Sèche and, if so -

(a)              when and for what period;

(b)             to whom it has been issued, and

(c)             whether conditions have been attached to such licence and, if so, will he specify them;

          Mr Lesjongard: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Moka Flacq District Council that a licence for night club keeper was issued to Mr Jean José L'Introuvable of Royal Road, Bel Air Rivière Sèche on 13 December, 2001.  The licence which is valid up to 30 June 2002, is renewable for a period of one year.

With regard to part  (c) the licence has been issued with inter-alia, the following conditions -

(i)                it is valid from the date of issue up to the end of the financial year;

(ii)              it is not transferable; and

(iii)            it should be exhibited in a conspicuous place on the premises;

I am further advised that the licence has been issued on a trial basis up to 30 June 2002.  In the event that no complaint regarding noise pollution is received from the immediate neighbours, the Council would consider renewing the licence after 30 June 2002.

          Mr Daureeawoo:  Will the hon. Minister state whether there was no objection from the inhabitants of the area and whether the Commissioner of Police did not impose any condition on the District Council in respect of the issue of that permit?

          Mr Lesjongard: Mr Speaker, Sir, from the notes I have, no complaints have been registered so far from any member of the public in this respect.

          Mr Daureeawoo :  From what I understand, the Commissioner of Police has no objection as to the issue of the permit provided that neighbours are duly notified and have no objection.  Has any inquiry been carried out before issuing that permit?

          Mr Lesjongard:  Mr Speaker, Sir, before we give approval for that kind of permit we have to ensure that all clearances have been obtained.

          Mr Daureeawoo:  May I know, Mr Speaker, how many neighbours have been notified and how many inquiries have been carried out?

          Mr Lesjongard:  Mr Speaker, Sir, I need notice for this reply.

CARAVANE DE LA SANTE - DIABETES CASES - FOLLOW-UP

          (No. B/69) Dr. N. Issimdar (Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac) asked the Minister of Health and Quality of Life whether he will give the number of persons who have been screened by the Caravane de la santé since the implementation of the scheme to date and indicate -

(a)              the number of new cases of diabetes that have been detected, and

(b)             whether proper follow-up is being made.

           Mr A. Jugnauth:  Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish in the first instance to inform this House that NCD surveys carried out in Mauritius and Rodrigues in 1987, 1992 and 1998 have revealed a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol.

Unfortunately, until September 2000 there was no action plan or valid programme to address this alarming situation.  Subsequently, in October 2000, as a first measure, my Ministry decentralised the NCD services to make them operational at the level of regional hospital.  Concurrently, an NCD Action Plan was prepared in collaboration with the Mauritius Institute of Health, the Consultant Physicians, the Cardiologists and the Community Physicians, after which the services were extended at the level of area and community health centres.

However, the NCD surveys carried out in Mauritius revealed that 20% of the population aged 30 years and above suffered from diabetes.  The NCD mobile service was introduced in Mauritius as from March 2001 to supplement the decentralized NCD services.  The main objective on this new service is therefore targeted towards screening the 80% of the population who are supposedly not yet affected by a non-communicable disease.  This will thus, ensure early detection of non-communicable diseases and preventive measures can be taken in time.

As at 27 March 2002, 52,920 persons aged 18 years and above have been screened for diabetes, hypertension and obesity.  For the same period, that is, 22 March 2001 to 27 March 2002, 13,232 women in the age group 35 to 60 have been screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

The same service has been introduced in Rodrigues on 13 October 2001.  As at 30 January 2002, 1400 persons aged 18 and above have been screened for NCDs, and 522 women aged between 35 and 60 have been screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

The number of new cases of diabetes that have been detected for Mauritius is 3824, that is, 7.2%.  In Rodrigues, the number of new diabetic cases detected as at 30 January 2002 was 45, that is, 3.2%.

As regards follow-up, cases which have been detected positive for an NCD, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity are referred to the health centre of the locality concerned.  These cases needing early intervention are referred to the specialist physicians of regional hospitals.  Besides, screened patients attending the health centres or the hospitals are subjected to various confirmatory tests.  Appropriate treatment, health education and counseling are then provided to all confirmed cases.

Moreover, a list of all NCD cases detected during the screening exercise is submitted to the Medical Officer in charge of the local health centre for further management and follow up.

TEXTILE SECTOR - LABOUR FORCE

          (No. B/70) Mr A. K. Gungah (Second Member for Grand'Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations whether he will state what measures Government has taken or intends to take to encourage the labour force to take up jobs in the textile sector and indicate whether any amendment to the existing labour legislation in regard to that sector is being contemplated for the above purpose.

          The Minister of Industry and International Trade (Mr J. Cuttaree) Sir, as the hon. Members are aware, the EPZ sector has over the years been facing several problems affecting its competitiveness, including shortage of skilled manpower and the difficulty in attracting Mauritians to that sector.

          With a view to addressing these constraints, Government set up a High Powered Committee (HPC) in July 2001 under my chairmanship to devise short, medium and long term measures to ensure the viability of the sector.

          The High Powered Committee has inter alia considered two main study reports by the Centre for Applied Social Research (CASR) and the Export Processing Zone Development Authority which focussed on the attitudes of the unemployed towards employment in the sector and the motivation of existing employees respectively.  Both reports revealed that job seekers were unwilling to take up employment in the sector due to, among other things, a lack of security, low pay, too much overtime, no career prospects, harsh work environment, irregular hours of work, disruption of family life and work night shifts.

          Based on these findings, the High Powered Committee recommended the following measures to redress the situation -

(i)                a study on the viability of an EPZ Portable Retirement Scheme to cater for labour mobility in the EPZ sector;

(ii)              upliftment of job status in the sector through upgrading of both working conditions and factory infrastructure;

(iii)            promotion of best management practices with strong focus on quality circles, team work, job enrichment, flextime, career prospects, training and profit sharing;

(iv)           extension of day care nurseries to motivate working mothers and reduce absenteeism;

(v)             elaboration of a code of conduct on conflict free workplace, industrial relations and human resource best practice to improve work environment;

(vi)           setting up of structures for consultation, participation and bargaining to promote participation and consultation;

(vii)         review of employment relations pattern and employees rights;

(viii)       high level training of the middle management personnel responsible for supervision of production operatives, and

(ix)           provision of multi-skill training to employees.

Government has released the report of the High Powered Committee, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

A Committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and comprising public and private sector representatives is looking into the implementation of the recommendations on manpower training.  The level of skills is also one of the constraints not to say the main constraints, for the shortage of manpower for the sector. 

A report on manpower shortages in that sector has been prepared and is being submitted to the committee for consideration.

With regards to the labour legislation governing the sector, the High Powered Committee has recommended the preparation of a White Paper on a review of the existing EPZ labour-related provisions.  I am following up closely the implementation of labour-related measures in close collaboration with my colleague, the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations.

          Mr Gungah: I would like to ask the hon. Minister whether a campaign has been launched in order to encourage our labour force to join the textile sector?

          Mr Cuttaree: As I said, the problems are multi-faceted.  I do not believe a campaign would encourage people to go and work in the EPZ or by itself is going to change the pattern.  I think what we have to do is to address the problems which have been highlighted by the committee and this is what we are trying to do.

Mr Duval: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have listened to what the hon. Minister had to say.  I did not hear him say anything about the need to upgrade the quality of work that is available in the EPZ by making Mauritius a hub for the region, Mauritius becoming like Hong Kong, providing the marketing and the production control.

(Interruptions)

Nothing was said about the production control, the sampling etc.  The  Minister has not said anything about the need to upgrade the type of work that is offered in the EPZ. 

          Mr Cuttaree: There are two aspects to the EPZ, Mr Speaker, Sir.  There is the employment in the EPZ; we are employing around 85,000 people and most of these people are employed in the production of  garments.  What the hon. Member is saying is – of course we are all aware of it - that it has been the policy of the Government to shift Mauritius from a production base to a services base, but this, obviously, does not depend on us alone.  We are trying to push in this direction, but it depends also on what happens within the region.  To be a hub, you are going to be located within the region and unless the activities take place in the region, the hub does not exist.  We have been trying to do that with Madagascar, as you know, but, unfortunately, the recent events are not making things easier.  But the main problem we have to be concerned with is employment in the EPZ.  We have, as at now, to make sure that this sector be profitable so that it continues to recruit people; we have to upgrade to produce high quality goods.  This is happening, but we have also to get the skilled people to be able to make us produce these garments so that we do not have to rely all the time on foreign workers to be able to achieve our production objectives.

          Mr Duval:   Mr Speaker, Sir, being given that the Minister has  stated the objectives therefore to make Mauritius into a hub, can he tell us what concrete measures have been done so far to get this hub going and to upgrade the level of work that is provided in the EPZ?

          Mr Cuttaree:   Mr Speaker, Sir, the hon. Member was  Minister of Industry and he knows that the hub is a concept.  How do we make ourselves become a hub?   It is not like you want to make a top and you go and get a piece of wood and you start carving it.  To become a hub, you have to develop activities all around you and then you play the role of the services provider and you can become the hub in the region.   This has been the objective. But as I said, this is one of the main conclusions of the report: how do you become a hub in the region?  You have to be able to do the design and be the centre for design, the centre for planning, the centre for marketing.  But if you are in the centre, there must be activities around you.   This is what we have been trying to do.  But it does not depend on us obviously. 

          Mr Gungah: Mr Speaker, Sir, one of the reasons why many people feel insecure to work in textile factories is because of closures.   What does the Minister propose to do in order to give people the job security?

          Mr Cuttaree: I think there is a consensus in this country that mobility of labour - not only in the EPZ, but we are talking here of the EPZ - is a fact of life, we have to live with that.  The question which has attracted attention of people recently has been that when people have been working for 15 to 20 years in a factory and the factory closes, they have to leave and start anew from zero in a new factory.  This is the problem.  People say there is no security.  But it is not the security of work within a work place itself.  If people are going to move around, they think that they should have some sort of ‘carry on' pension.  This is why the report mentions a study on this portable pension.  But I am not trying to give too much hope because where the EPZ is today, we have to look at all these possibilities, but also we have to look at the capacity of the sector to bear additional social costs.  But I am committed of course to make sure that all these problems which have been raised within the report find a solution.  But there are also limits to what we can do. What  I want to say today is that the Government has the political will to improve the conditions of the workers within the EPZ and we will do everything possible within our means to be able to achieve this objective.

STATE LAND – SQUATTERS – GOVERNMENT POLICY

          (No. B/71) Mr J. C. Armance (Second Member for GRNW and Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Housing and Lands whether, in regard to squatters on State land, he will –

(a)     make a statement on Government policy regarding same; and

(b)    give a list of same who have been evicted since 01 July 2001 to date, constituency-wise.

          Mr Choonee:  Sir, as my colleagues are aware, squatting is the illegal occupation of State lands and punishable under Section 22(5) (a) and (b) of the State Land Act which stipulates –

(a)  When a squatter fails to comply with a notice served on him or posted up in accordance with subsection (4), he shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable –

(i) in the case of a person who has put up a building or other structure on State land, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years;

(ii)              in any other case, to a fine not exceeding 5,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months;

(b) Any person who incites another person to take possession of, encroach upon, cultivates or put up any building or other structure on any part of any State land without the express authorisation in writing of the Minister, shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years."

          Government, through a press conference given by the Rt. hon. Prime Minister on 25 July 2001, sent a strong signal regarding its will to control and eventually to phase out the problem of squatters on State land.

          The population was thus informed that any person caught squatting on State land after 25 July 2001 would automatically be disqualified from incentive schemes provided for the housing sector by Government mainly Firinga-type core houses, plot of land in the context of sites and services' project, cash grant for casting of slabs etc.

          The number of squatters on State land prior to 25 July 2001 stood at around 2,890.

          In a concerted approach towards eliminating the problem, a coordination cell under the aegis of my Ministry comprising officials of the Police department, Ministry of Housing and Lands and the Trust Fund was set up to monitor the problem.  A monitoring team was accordingly constituted with the staff of the Ministry of Housing and Lands with the collaboration of the Police department to carry out weekly checks in all regions affected by the problem of squatting to ensure that no new structures were being put up.  The first check started on 5 October 2001.

          The monitoring exercise is ongoing and other dismantling exercise will be organised as and when the need arises.

          The following action has to date been taken across the island –

(i)                dismantling of 105 illegal and unoccupied structures on 20 November 2001;

(ii)              dismantling of 22 illegal and occupied/unoccupied structures on 15 March 2002.

A list of squatters who have been evicted from 01 July 2001 to date constituency-wise has been placed in the Library.

          It is here to be noted that all procedures according to the provisions of the State Land Act were strictly followed viz appropriate notices were affixed as prescribed by law on these structures.

          Regarding the last exercise carried out, in view of the fact that some of these structures were occupied, officers of the Trust Fund for the Social Integration of the Vulnerable Groups met those squatters and explained to them why such action was being taken and convinced them to move out.

          As regards the pre-25 July 2001 squatters it is to be noted that 1150 out of the total of 2890 have registered themselves during the June 2001 Housing Survey carried out by the Trust Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Lands and the Ministry of Social Security.  Subject to their eligibility, these squatters would be given priority of consideration in the course of the allocation exercise in respect of the Firinga housing programme.  As regards the remaining 1740 or so, a reassessment exercise will be carried out.

          Mr Armance: M. le président, j'aimerais connaître la politique du ministre en ce qui concerne les grottes et les petits mandirs qui ont été été illégalement construits sur les plages publiques.

          Mr Choonee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am sure the hon. Member is aware that public beaches are vested with the Ministry of Local Government and, therefore, it is the local authorities, the district councils that usually look after the public beaches.  We will convey the information to the local authorities for them to take necessary action.

          Dr. Boolell: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister inform the House whether he is satisfied with the information that is being relayed to his Ministry by the Monitoring Unit that he has set up?

          Mr Choonee: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have no doubt on the information being provided to me by these officers.

          Dr. Boolell: Therefore, let me refer to two cases.  The first one concerns people who have been occupying a plot of land since 28 years, and I must say, had it not been for the intervention of the Deputy Prime Minister to whom I wrote a letter, these people would have been asked to vacate and go elsewhere.  The Mayor of Curepipe has been exercising undue pressure on these people, asking them to vacate and move elsewhere.  The second case concerns Mrs Lagaillarde whom the Leader of the Opposition met on Saturday.  This lady has been occupying a small plot of land since 1960 when Mr Robelais… 

(Interruption)

I'll come with my question.  I am saying that they cannot act in a manner which is inhumane, Mr Speaker, Sir.  I am asking Government to review its policy in respect of these people.  It is not fair to simply label people as squatters, people who have been occupying State land since a very long time, much before the cut-off point set by the Prime Minister.  Government is acting in an arbitrary manner, in a discriminatory manner, discriminating …

          Mr Speaker: This is not a question!  This is a statement!  Next question, please!

CYCLONE DINA VICTIMS - GOVT. ASSISTANCE

          (No. B/72) Mr J. C. Armance (Second Member for GRNW & Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions whether, in regard to cyclone Dina victims, he will-

(a)   give the number of persons made homeless;

(b)  give the number of houses destroyed or partially destroyed and state the amount of money spent in assisting those victims, and

(c)   make a statement on Government policy on those victims who are still in refugee centres.

          Mr Lauthan: Sir, as regards part (a) of the question, following the passage of cyclone Dina on 21 and 22 January 2002, the first figures revealed that 1048 persons comprising 380 families had become homeless.

Concerning part (b), during an islandwide survey carried out by my Ministry from 29 January to 02 February, 2497 persons reported that their houses had been damaged by the cyclone.  An inquiry that was thereafter carried out revealed that 846 houses were destroyed completely, 674 seriously damaged and 837 partly damaged.

Moreover, 140 houses were found not to have suffered any damage contrary to what had been declared by the inhabitants of these houses.

Government approved the Post-Dina Assistance Programme to bring relief to those whose houses had been destroyed or damaged.  I am laying on the Table of the Assembly a copy of the Assistance Programme which caters for all categories of victims.  In fact, Mr Speaker, Sir, this Assistance Programme caters for all cases and leaves no one out.

Briefly speaking, it caters for firstly, those poor owners who cannot afford to repair or build their houses; secondly, those tenants who can afford to purchase an NHDC housing unit costing between R 280,000 to R 300,000; thirdly, those who qualify for a low-cost Firinga type housing unit and lastly, even those who cannot pay a rent of R 650 monthly for the low-cost housing units.  This last category will be provided with a plot of land and financial as well as technical assistance to erect a modest house.

As at 25 March 2002, an amount of R 18,818,000 had already been spent under the Post-Dina Assistance Programme for a total of 2648 cases.

I would also like to inform the House that my Ministry has received a number of complaints to the effect that many persons whose houses had been destroyed or damaged had not been able to register themselves within the given time limit.  Some of these persons had received the food allowance for cyclone victims and others had reported the case to the Police, but had not registered themselves at the Social Security Office of their locality.  My Ministry is considering these requests on a case to case basis on humanitarian grounds.

As regards part (c) of the question, as at today 29 families consisting of 105 persons are still putting up at nine refugee centres.  Eleven of these families have already been provided assistance under the Post-Dina Assistance Programme, but they have come back to stay at the centres saying that it is difficult to find suitable accommodation to rent.  The sum of R 7,500 has been given to them as a rent support.

As most of these families do not have the financial means to purchase an NHDC housing unit, they will be allotted a Firinga type unit which will be available as from December 2002. 

As a special gesture to show its genuine commitment towards the present refugees, Government has set up a special inter-ministerial committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to look into their problems.  The committee met yesterday, 01 April, and proposed that temporary shelters be provided to al

of them, except those falling under the first two categories mentioned above subject to Cabinet approval next Friday. Consultations with the refugees are being held and the committee will meet again on Thursday 04 April at 3.00 p.m. before final proposals are made to Cabinet the next day.

          Dr. Boolell: Will the Minister be able to inform the House as to the amount of money collected to assist the victims of cyclone Dina?

          Mr Lauthan: Through the MBC télésolidarité, we received R 3.6 m.  As I have just said, as at now we have already spent R 18,818,000.  Therefore, we have had to draw money from the Prime Minister's Cyclone Relief Fund and we have also had the assistance of the Minister of Finance in order to enable us to cater for the victims of cyclone Dina.

          Dr. Boolell: Can the Minister inform the House whether there was any donation from the Indian Government and from the Prince of Saudi Arabia?

          Mr Lauthan: Yes, the Indian Government has proposed assistance in kind.  The various Ministries are formulating their requests to the Embassy through the Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Civil Service.  Through the intervention of my colleague, hon. Soodhun, we have already received a cargo plane load of provisions and other items together with a sum of 100,000 dollars from Saudi Arabia that will go to the Prime Minister's Cyclone Relief Fund.

          Dr. Boolell: What is the amount received from the Indian Government?

          Mr Lauthan: One million US dollars worth of goods and services.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FEE - AMOUNT COLLECTED

          (No. B/73) Mr M. Dowarkasing (Third Member for Curepipe & Midlands) asked the Minister of Environment whether he will state- 

(a)   the amount allocated to the National Environment Fund to date, indicating how it has been used and the different projects financed through it, and

(b)  the amount collected as environment protection fee for the last three years.

(Withdrawn)

TEA PLANTATIONS - CONVERSION INTO SUGAR CANE PLANTATIONS

          (No. B/74) Mr M. Dowarkasing (Third Member for Curepipe & Midlands) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources whether, in regard to the conversion of tea plantations into sugar cane plantations, he will-

(a)   state the amount spent thereon;

(b)  say whether any prior feasibility study was conducted thereon;

(c)   state the amount spent on in-field road construction and the specifications of same, indicating if money is overdue to small planters and, if so, what measures are being taken to settle same.

(Withdrawn)

PRIMARY SCHOOLS – DROP-OUTS

          (No. B/75) Mrs F. Labelle (Second Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Education & Scientific Research whether he will state the policy of his Ministry regarding cases of drop-outs at primary schools.

          Mr Obeegadoo: Mr Speaker, Sir, as my colleagues of the House may be aware, in May 1991, the Education Act was amended to make attendance of primary schools compulsory for children of the relevant age group.

          A preliminary investigation of the non-attendance rate in primary education carried out in respect of the years 1998-2000 by the Ministry of Education reveals that for Standards I to V, it is as low as 0.1% rising to 6.9% after Standard VI, although the latter figure includes children having failed the CPE at the first attempt, but who cannot repeat by reason of their age. 

          The issue is now being handled in the following matter. On the one hand, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women's Right, Child Development & Family Welfare, cases of tardy declaration of birth or absence of declaration altogether are being followed up to ensure integration within the primary school system. 

On the other hand, a mechanism is being put into place to allow for follow-up of cases of drop-outs in the course of primary schooling.  Thus, in the case of prolonged absences, head teachers are expected to summon parents concerned to discuss and remedy the situation.  Should that fail, the case must then be reported to the Ministry for appropriate action including, should circumstances so warrant, a report to the Police and eventual prosecution of defaulting parents. 

          Yet, another innovation this year is that the pre-vocational stream at secondary level has been opened to students having failed CPE only once, but who are unable to repeat Standard VI due to their age. 

While stressing that problems of school drop-outs at primary level remain few and far between, I share the concern of the hon. Member and would welcome, as usual, any constructive suggestion to ensure effective implementation of every child's right to education.

RIVIERE DES GALETS & BAIE DU CAP – GABIONS - REPAIR

          (No. B/76) Mrs D. Perrier (Third Member for Belle Rose & Quatre Bornes) asked the Minister of Environment whether, in regard to the gabion installations which were damaged by tidal waves a few months ago in the region of Rivière des Galets and Baie du Cap, he will now say whether the study which was commissioned has been completed and, if so, will he say 

(a)              what action is contemplated; and

(b)             what remedial action will be taken to prevent further damage to residential houses in the said region.

           Mr Bhagwan: Yes, Sir, tenders for a study on coastal erosion around Mauritius have been launched by my Ministry since 15 February this year.  The date limit for submission of proposals has been fixed for 10 April.  The study is expected to start by the end of July this year and will be completed by the end of the year.

In the meantime, my Ministry has awarded a contract to the DWC for the repair of gabions at Rivière des Galets.  The contract to the DWC was awarded in December last year for an amount of R 677,376, and works were due to start in January this year.  However, there has been a delay due to unavailability of materials, and works are now due to start by the third week of April.  The works are expected to last for a period of three months.

It is expected that the repair works to the gabions at Rivière des Galets will prevent further erosion at Rivière des Galets and attenuate the waves which may, in rough weather conditions, impact on the housing estate at Cité Rivière des Galets.  The erosion problem in the above region will be given special attention during the study on coastal erosion.

As regards erosion problems along and at the mouth of the river at Baie du Cap, officers of my Ministry had a meeting with representatives of Baie du Cap Village Council and Black River District Council on 25 March, with a view to assessing the situation and proposing solutions.  The matter is being looked into actively.

LES CASERNES & LA BRASSERIE – SEWERAGE NETWORK

         (No. B/77) Mr G. Paya (Second Member for Curepipe & Midlands) asked the Minister of Public Utilities whether he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to whether works on the project relating to the sewerage network in the region of Les Casernes and La Brasserie will start soon.

          Mr Ganoo: Sir, Government policy is to abate pollution at source and within the ambit of this policy, it is committed to provide adequate facilities for the safe collection, treatment and disposal of waste water wherever there are risks of environmental degradation.  The rehabilitation of sewerage infrastructure on CHA and other low cost housing estates is one of the priorities.  In this regard, there is a programme for rehabilitation of the estates based on clearly defined criteria namely an assessment of the existing disposal systems and the risk to human health.

Under phases I and II of the programme, 28 estates have already been rehabilitated.  Under an extension of phase II, sewerage works are being effected on seven additional estates. 

I am advised by the Waste Water Management Authority that phase III of the programme is under preparation and the two sites, Les Casernes and La Brasserie, will be included under this phase.

SILK & PERSIAN LTD – DUTY FREE SHOPS

           (No. B/78) Mr G. Paya (Second Member for Curepipe & Midlands) asked the Minister of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport & Shipping whether, in view of the fact that some expatriates such as Mir Group or Adamas engaged in duty free activities have introduced the concept of parking fees and have forced some local businessmen to close down, he will state what action he proposes to take to enable local businessmen to benefit from the tourist sector.

          The Deputy Prime Minister: With your permission, Sir, I will reply to this question.

The Silk and Persian Ltd, which has among its directors one Mr Mujeeb Mir, has been authorised by my Ministry to operate two duty free shops, one at Poste de Flacq and the other at Belle Mare.  As regards Adamas, I am informed that it is an Export Service Zone (ESZ) Company operating at Floreal and Belle Mare Plage.

Insofar as the concept of so called parking fees is concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply made by my colleague, the hon. Minister of Tourism, to PQ B/20 on Tuesday last.  As announced by him, a committee has been set up under his chairmanship to look into the problems arising out of payment of commission, which includes the concept of parking fees by certain shop owners and business people to taxi drivers and inbound operators.

The issue raised by the hon. Member will be dealt with by the said committee, which is expected to submit its recommendations in a month's time.

I would, therefore, invite Members to give any information they have on the matter to the committee.

SOCIAL AID – CLAIMANT

          (No. B/79) Mr F. Labelle (Second Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière) asked the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity, Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions whether he is contemplating to review the definition of "head of household" when a request for social aid is being considered.

           Mr Lauthan: Sir, there is no definition of the term "head of household" as such in the Social Aid Act.  However, mention is made of the term ‘claimant' which is defined as any person who, as a result of –

(a)              any physical or mental disability;

(b)             any sickness or accident certified by an approved medical practitioner;

(c)             abandonment by his spouse; or

(d)             any sudden loss of employment which has lasted continuously for not less than six months,

is temporarily or permanently incapable of earning adequately his livelihood and has insufficient means to support himself and his dependants, shall be qualified to claim social aid.

          In practice, for the purpose of processing cases of social aid, the "head of household" is considered to be the person who is responsible to cater for the needs of the family.  In general, it is the husband or male partner in the household.  There are also cases where the woman is considered as the head of the household, for example, an abandoned woman, a single parent, a separated or divorced woman.

          Mrs Labelle: Mr Speaker, Sir, as the situation is today, when facing a problem of unemployment, a woman does not receive the same consideration as a man when applying for social aid.  She is being told that she is not the head of household, though she may be the main bread-winner of the family.  In this context, I am asking the Minister to reconsider the matter, because many women are suffering from such a situation.

          Mr Lauthan: I agree totally with my hon. friend.  I, myself, drew the attention of the officers, because we know that we have a patriarchal family system.  But, I have given instructions to the effect that in the case of a woman who is the bread-winner, they accept that she makes the claim in her own name.  Otherwise, we have many cases where the man is an alcoholic, and they would insist that he comes to be given the social aid.

MIDLANDS DAM – SITE VISIT

          (No. B/80) Mr P. Roopun (Third Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of Public Utilities whether, being given that a great number of Mauritians have not been able to visit the Midlands Dam site on its open day on 24 March last, he will consider the advisability of arranging for the opening of the site for further periods, especially during the forthcoming Easter holdidays.

          Mr Ganoo: Sir, the open day at the Midlands Dam on 24 March last was exceptionally organised in the context of the celebration of World Water Day 2002.

It is not proposed, at this stage, to organise another open day at the Midlands Dam, in order not to disrupt the work on site and for security reasons.  However, consideration will be given for the organisation of an open day after the completion of the works in September 2002, just before the impounding of the dam.  In the meantime, I have requested the Water Resources Unit to consider the possibility of arranging for guided visits at the site during week-ends, upon request, from schools and from members of different organisations.  

MINISTRY OF TOURISM - LEISURE ACTIVITIES 

           (No. B/81) Mr P. Roopun (Third Member for Savanne and Black River) asked the Minister of Tourism whether in regard to leisure activities organised by his Ministry, he will -

(a)       give a list of same;

(i)                organised since 01 January 2001 to date and

(ii)              to be organised during the forthcoming year and

(b)             state what action is envisaged to provide more regular leisure activities to the population.

          Mr Bodha: Mr Speaker, Sir,  I wish to inform the House that I was officially assigned the responsibility for the subject of "Leisure" in June 2001.

Since then, the Leisure Unit of my Ministry has been organising regular and ongoing activities for the public.

Mr Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has taken the initiative of organising major activities on a national level for the Mauritian community at large. Furthermore, we have adopted a new concept of leisure whereby it forms part of our policy for an integrated tourism development plan. This policy is being implemented in an endeavour to democratise leisure activities in the country and in this context infrastructure and services available for the tourism market and for the hotel industry are being used to organise a variety of leisure activities.

My Ministry has so far organised the following events -

(i)                Leisure Day at Domaine les Pailles in September 2001

(ii)              Weekend de Loisirs at Belle Mare Water Park in November 2001

(iii)            Divali Nite at Grand Bay in November 2001

(iv)           La Fête du Poisson in Rodrigues in March 2002

Mr Speaker, Sir, I wish to point out that our policy is to organise a major event monthly in Mauritius, and one major event every three months in Rodrigues.

By the end of this financial year, two main events will be organised -

(i)                Grand Weekend de Sports Nautiques on 27 and 28 April in Choisy; and

(ii)              A la Découverte de Chamarel - Journée de Loisirs et La Nuit du Sega in May

My Ministry has also worked out special packages and reduced rates for some activities with a view to helping Mauritians participate and enjoy themselves in a friendly and family atmosphere.

With your permission, Sir, I am now tabling the reply to part (a) of the question.

MEAT/FISH (FRESH) - SUPERMARKETS/SHOPPING CENTRES - SALE

           (No. B/82) Mr S. Sakaram (Second Member for Vacoas and Floreal) asked the Minister of Health and Quality of Life whether in regard to the sale of fresh meat and fresh fish displayed in supermarkets and shopping centres all over the island, he will -

(a)      state the frequency of control exercised by officials of his Ministry;

(b)     state what action is initiated in regard to the expiry date of meat and fish; and

(c)      give details on the Enforcement Unit of his Ministry and its duties and functions.

          Mr A. Jugnauth: Mr Speaker, Sir, I am advised that supermarkets and shopping centres are allowed to sell fresh, chilled and frozen fish and meat.  Section 73 of the Food Regulations 1999 clearly stipulates that each of these fresh, chilled and frozen food should be stored and displayed in separate stalls with clear indication as to the nature of the food of each stall.  However, it has been noted that supermarkets and shops mainly sell frozen and chilled fish and meat because of the perishable nature of these foodstuffs.

With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that supermarkets and shopping centres are inspected by officers of the Health Inspectorate of my Ministry on a fortnightly basis. Should complaints be received, they are attended to immediately. Random checks are also carried out, and samples taken for analysis to determine whether there is contamination or deterioration.

Regarding part (b) of the question as such, there is no expiry date for fresh fish and fresh meat, it being understood that these products should be sold immediately.  As regards chilled fish and chilled meat, they undergo deterioration and are unfit for consumption after a period of 4 days.  Chilled meat and chilled fish, unfit for human consumption, are normally seized and destroyed by officers of the Health Inspectorate.  The contravener is then prosecuted under the Food Act (Part VII of the Food Regulations 1999).  On one occasion 39 kg of chilled fish were seized and destroyed. Frozen fish and meat are seized whenever conditions for storage are not respected i.e. when freezers are put off.

As regards part (c) of the question, the Health Inspectorate is headed by a Chief Health Inspector and staffed by 3 Deputy Chief Health Inspectors, 14 Principal Health Inspectors, 29 Senior Health Inspectors and 76 Health Inspectors posted in 13 health offices across the island and in Rodrigues. The duties and responsibilities of that Unit pertain not only to food sanitation but also general sanitation, communicable diseases surveillance and control, port and airport health control, clearances for issue of trade licences and enforcement of public health laws.

PQ No. B/83 see after PQ B/50

DELPHIS BANK - DEPOSITORS - CREDIT LINE 

          (No. B/84) Dr. A. Boolell (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance whether he will state why, apart from the credit of R 80 m. made available at the DBM for a number of EPZ companies, he has taken no step as at 27 March 2002 to provide a minimal credit line to the socially or economically vulnerable depositors of the Delphis Bank.

          The Deputy Prime Minister: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Development  Bank of Mauritius has, in fact, established two schemes for major customers of the Delphis Bank operating in the EPZ sector or engaged in activities, deemed to be of vital importance to the economy.

          Under the first scheme, the DBM guarantees commercial banks that are willing to discount export bills and open letters of credit for import of raw materials by enterprises that I have just mentioned.  These will be determined on a case to case basis, but will not exceed R 10 m. for discounting of export bills and R 5 m. for letters of credit.

          The second scheme covers short-term financing for wages and other running expenses of the enterprises.  The ceiling in this case if R 4 m. and the repayment period is three months.

          In both cases the DBM takes a general floating charge on the assets of the enterprises and on those of their major shareholders.  Export proceeds and other receivables of these enterprises are also assigned to the DBM as security.

          I would like to emphasize that the DBM guarantees and the loan facilities are of a temporary nature and aim at enabling enterprises which had accounts with the Delphis Bank to effect payment of wages and salaries to some 6000 employees and to honour their commitments to their clients abroad.  This initiative has been taken with a view to safeguarding employment, particularly in the EPZ sector, which has already been affected by the events of 11 September last in the USA and the situation prevailing since recently in Madagascar.

          As regards the issue of providing a line of credit to socially or economically vulnerable depositors of the Delphis Bank, the House will appreciate that it is not the objective of the DBM to act as a retail commercial bank.  Neither is it equipped to do so, nor does it hold a banking licence.  Its function is to finance projects, which contribute towards the economic development of the country.

          This, of course, Mr Speaker, Sir, does  not mean that we do not have  at heart the interest of depositors, particularly those who are socially and economically vulnerable.  I would like however to point out that no such request was made when the Union Bank was closed in 1996 and it took months for depositors' problems to be solved.  In the case of the Delphis Bank, the revocation of the bank's licence is itself an important step taken to protect depositors as they were otherwise running the risk of depletion of their funds due to non-performing related party loans and blocked overseas bank placements. To protect the interest of depositors of the bank, a Receiver Manager has already been appointed.  He is working in close collaboration with the Bank of Mauritius to preserve the interests of depositors, employees of the bank and the public.  I am informed that he is doing his best to find a "repreneur" for the bank on an ongoing concern basis.  This will allow depositors to have access to their accounts with minimal delay. I am also informed that a number of parties have already expressed interest to acquire the bank.  I would like to reiterate to the House that the whole exercise will be carried out expeditiously and in full transparency.  I would wish also to inform the House that the employees of the Delphis Bank are being paid their wages by the Receiver Manager.

          I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the situation in so far as dividends are concerned, the point raised by the hon. Leader of the Opposition last week.  I am informed that the Delphis Bank had declared dividends of 20% for the year ended December 2000 in the course of its normal business.  However, in March 2001, the Bank of Mauritius spotted some non-performing related party loans in the books of the bank. The related parties were the three major shareholders of the bank. Consequently, the Bank of Mauritius took steps to ensure that no dividends are transferred to the related parties.  The small shareholders of the Bank were paid dividends as appropriate.

          Dr. Boolell:  Mr Speaker, Sir, of course we have in mind…….

          Mr Speaker: Hold on! Is the hon. Member going to make a statement, give information or ask questions?

         Dr. Boolell: I am going to make a short statement

         Mr Speaker: I am being very careful.

(Interruptions)

         Dr. Boolell: I have a short statement to …

(Interruptions)

         Mr Speaker: No, no, the hon. Member can't make statements?

         Dr. Boolell: Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know what is specifically being done in respect of the 53,000 depositors.  Let's say among those people, there are some who need…

(Interruptions)

          Mr Speaker: I understand the hon. Member has put a question.

          Dr. Boolell: There are some people who desperately need the money urgently I would like to know whether the Receiver Manager is going to deal with them on a case to case basis, what is going to be done?

           The Deputy Prime Minister: This is not serious at all, Mr Speaker.  I repeat, when the Union Bank went down, small depositors were hurt just as the small depositors are being hurt when the Delphis Bank goes down.  These small depositors in 1996 had to wait long months before they found their deposits again. In this case, we are not going to waste time.  I am convinced from what the Bank of Mauritius tells me that it will be a matter of weeks, not even months, before a repreneur is found and all these depositors find their deposits again. So, this is the priority of priorities.

          Mr Duval:  Mr Speaker, Sir, a number of flaws in the Banking Act were identified in the  bankruptcy of the Union Bank.  Can I ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether it would not be appropriate, now,  to bring urgent legislation to enable the Bank of Mauritius and, maybe, the Receiver Manager, to make appropriate payments to those in need, specially as I believe the Delphis Bank may not be in an insolvent situation?

          The Deputy Prime Minister:    I think we will find a repreneur   on an ongoing concern basis,  as I said, in the weeks to come.   I am open-minded, Mr Speaker, Sir.  As you know, last week, the PNQ was on the Delphis Bank and I did say that this problem of what the Central Bank can do before revoking a licence, what powers we can put in the legislation to allow either  the Central Bank or the Manager Receiver to take more actions than as at present.  I am completely open-minded, but it is not an easy problem. 

As I said last week, only recently three or four small banks have gone down in South Africa and the result was a Commission of Enquiry was set up in one case to find out whether the Central Bank did all that was required.  There was a Commission of Enquiry on the Central Bank's performance and to see whether the legislation needed amending.  We are following that very closely, but I must say that under our legislation, the Receiver Manager has powers to do a lot of things and I a happy to have informed the House that, in fact, he is paying  the wages of all the employees of the Delphis Bank. But I am open to suggestions; it is a very complicated issue and we can certainly improve on the Banking Act as it stands. 

          Mr Duval: May I  perhaps ask the Deputy Prime Minister,  should there be, in the future futher delay - we never know what can happen - in the sale of the Delphis Bank, will Government consider urgent legislation to allow payments to be made in certain deserving cases?  I believe that would need a specific legislation.

          The Deputy Prime Minister:    We are not convinced about that one, because I think we must send the right signal that our banking sector, our financial sector are well regulated, the laws are there, the institutions to regulate are there, the Bank of Mauritius is performing well, doing its job.  We can improve, mais à tête reposée.   I don't think we should send a signal that we urgently need to amend this and that; I think it would be the wrong signal, but certainly once the Delphis Bank affair is behind us, certainly  à tête reposée, I am prepared to examine any suggestion.

  INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY - GOVT. POLICY

            (No. B/85) Dr. A. Boolell (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle) asked the Minister of Environment whether his Ministry is taking steps to encourage industrial ecology and, if so, will he make a statement thereon. 

          Reply: A series of measures and specific actions have been taken by my Ministry over the past years to encourage and ensure industrial ecology.  The various provisions of the EPA and its strict enforcement, the implementation of specific projects under both EIP I and EIP II and other support and incentives given to industries are the main thrusts to encourage industrial ecology.  In fact, I am circulating a full statement on the issue.    

PLAINE VERTE - FIRE BREAK-OUT - 17.02.02

            (No. B/86) Dr. S. Chady (Second Member for Port Louis Maritime & Port Louis East) asked the Minister of Local Government & Rodrigues whether he will make a statement on the fire which recently broke out at Plaine Verte and in which two women lost their lives. 

          Reply: I am advised by the Chief Fire Officer that the call regarding the fire which broke out on 17 February 2002 in the building located at Cr. Despeaux and Pamplemousses Streets, Port Louis, was received at 0120 hours.  A crew of 18 officers arrived on the spot at 0121 hours. 

          On reaching the spot, the crew noticed that the fire had reached an advanced stage as the building was engulfed in flames.  It was also gathered from the neighbours that three persons were trapped in the building made of wood and corrugated iron sheets and used for residential purposes. 

Rescue operations were started immediately.  At 0127 hours, additional assistance was obtained from the Coromandel Fire Station. 

          Around 0145 hours, two dead bodies were found in the building and were handed over to the Police and SAMU. 

          The fire was finally extinguished at 0227 hours.  However, the crew left the spot at 0725 hours.

  REFORM INSTITUTIONS - GOVT. PHILOSOPHY  

          (No. B/87) Mr M. Chumroo (First Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Social Security, National Solidarity and Senior Citizen Welfare and Reform Institutions whether he will state the Government philosophy on reform institutions and whether he will make a statement thereon. 

          Reply: The philosophy of Government as far as imprisonment itself and the reform institutions are concerned is based on a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional strategy.  Before even speaking of imprisonment itself, this Government has launched aggressive sensitisation campaigns on various social problems to avoid the involvement of our citizens in criminal activities, especially young people with high-risk behaviour. 

          We are launching the streetwork programme as from next week.  For those who commit an offence, we are coming soon to the National Assembly with a revolutionary piece of legislation - the Community Service Order Bill - to avoid imprisonment for petty crimes.  This Bill will provide multiple advantages to the individual, to his family and to the community at large.  We are reviewing our approach to educational and other activities at the level of the Rehabilitation Youth Centre and Correctional Youth Centre to prevent recidivism and eventual access to adult prisons. 

          As for those who are convicted for serious crimes, they are being provided with a series of educational, recreative and rehabilitative programmes to prepare them for release.  Finally, my Ministry is collaborating closely with NGOs particularly Passerelle and Elan to pursue the rehabilitation work even after release from prisons in order again to prevent relapse and recidivism.  Let me remind one and all that the philosophy of Government inside the prisons is bent on rehabilitation, but not to the detriment of security and discipline. 

          These are in a nutshell our strategies behind the philosophy of Government.   

BUDGETARY PROVISIONS - AMOUNT SPENT AS AT 31.12.01

            (No. B/88) Dr. B. Hookoom (Second Member for Rivière du Rempart & Piton) asked the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance whether, in regard to budgetary provisions for this financial year, he will state the amount spent as at 31 December 2001 by way of- 

(a)   recurrent expenditure, and

(b)  capital expenditure.

   (Vide reply to PNQ)  

GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS – CONSTRUCTION – BUDGETARY PROVISIONS 

          (No. B/89) Dr. B. Hookoom (Second Member for Rivière du Rempart & Piton) asked the Minister of Education & Scientific Research whether, in regard to budgetary provisions for this financial year for the construction of Government secondary schools, he will state- 

(a)              the sum earmarked;

(b)             the stages reached in the construction works; and

(c)             the amount spent to date. 

Reply: The answer is as follows:- 

(a)              For the financial year 2001/2002, the sum earmarked for the construction of Government secondary schools in mainland Mauritius is R 1 billion.  As regards Rodrigues, I am informed that the sum earmarked is R 41.8 m.

(b)             The information is being compiled and will be laid in the Library of the National Assembly.

 (c)             In respect of mainland Mauritius, the amount spent to date is R 108.6 m. and as regards Rodrigues, I am informed that the amount spent to date is R 7.2 m. 

Given the magnitude and particular nature of school infrastructural development works, it is all too normal and understandable that disbursements should be very slow in the first semester of the financial year, catching up thereafter.  It is to be kept in mind that disbursements are linked to progression of actual construction whereas same comes only the end of a long and complex process involving, in turn, identification and acquisition of land, surveying of sites acquired and soil tests, preparation of structural and architectural specifications and actual tendering procedures.  Even after award of a contract, the size and timing of disbursements are determined by the schedule of payments particular to each construction contract.  Hence, as actual construction works get under way, the quantum of disbursements, of course, do pick up. 

As explained on many occasions, construction works are being phased in such a manner that all our new State secondary schools and Form VI colleges will be in a position to admit students as planned in 2003.  Progress is being closely monitored in monthly meetings chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and weekly meetings chaired by the Minister of Public Infrastructure.  I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Deputy Prime Minister, my colleague Ministers responsible for Public Infrastructure and Housing & Lands, as well as their staff and that of the Ministry of Education & Scientific Research, for their participation in commitment and dedication to the implementation of what is an unprecedented harnessing of the State's resources to redefine the educational landscape of our country. 

OFFSHORE SECTOR – NO. OF REGISTERED COMPANIES 2000-2001

            (No. B/90) Dr. B. Hookoom (Second Member for Rivière du Rempart & Piton) asked the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services & Corporate Affairs whether, in regard to companies registered in the offshore sector, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to the number thereof in each of the years 2000 and 2001 and make a statement on the actual trend, especially in regard to South African companies. 

          Reply: The total number of companies registered in the global business sector, formerly known as the offshore sector, stood at 18,099 as at end December 2001 compared to 14,090 at end December 2000.  This number includes global business companies with a category 1 business licence (formerly known as offshore companies) as well as global business companies with a category 2 business licence (formerly known as international companies).  The number for these two categories at year end 2001 was respectively 6,369 GBL1 companies and 11,730 GBL2 companies. 

          An analysis of the trend of companies registered in the global business sector since its creation in 1992 shows a substantial increase from the 14 companies that were on register at year end 1992 to a figure of nearly 20,000 as at today.  The annual increase over the last 10 years has been quite significant with the largest figure of some 3,660 new companies registered in year 2001. 

          Figures relating to the number of South African companies registered in the global business sector are being compiled and will be laid soon in the Library of the National Assembly. 

MAHEBOURG HOSPITAL – CONVERSION INTO AREA HEALTH CENTRE 

          (No. B/91) Dr. B. Hookoom (Second Member for Rivière du Rempart & Piton) asked the Minister of Health & Quality of Life whether he has received a petition from the inhabitants of Mahebourg regarding the future of the Mahebourg regional hospital and whether he has met the Forces Vives of the region. 

(Vide reply to PQ No. B/59 in Oral Answers to Questions)    

PAHLADI, MR S. –MAURITIUS SUGAR TERMINAL CORPORATION – MOBILE PHONE 

          (No. B/92) Dr. J.B. David (Fourth Member for GRNW & Port Louis West) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Food Technology & Natural Resources whether, for the benefit of the House, and in regard to Mr S. Palhadi, part-time Chairman of the Mauritius Sugar Terminal Corporation, he will obtain information as to – 

(a)              whether he is entitled to an official mobile phone and, if not, who authorised him to use 2 official mobile phones and who pays for their rental and the telephone charges;

(b)             the total amount paid for the mobile phones, their rental and calls since his appointment as part-time Chairman to date; and

(c)             the circumstances in which both mobile phones have been lost. 

Reply: With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed that Mr S. Pahladi has been provided with an official mobile phone in June 2001 following approval obtained by the Sugar Terminal Corporation Board, in accordance with the practice in other para-statal organisations.  He has never used two official mobile phones at the same time. 

 The Board also approved for the rental and calls in respect of the mobile to be paid by the Corporation.  The first phone issued to him was lost in November 2001 and was replaced by another one in December 2001.  A declaration was made to the Bulk Sugar Terminal Police Station to that effect. 

With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the cost of the first mobile phone was R 12,550, whereas the second one was R 9,668.66. 

I am further informed that the rentals and calls amount to R 2,700 and R 20,361 respectively for the period June 2001 to February 2002. 

With regard to part (c) of the question, as I have already stated, the first mobile phone was lost in November 2001, whereas the second one was stolen in an incident on 13 January 2002 in which the Chairman was involved.  The incident, as well as the loss of the phone, were reported to the Police on the same day.   

TERRE ROUGE - STORM WATER DRAIN - PLANIMETRIC AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY  

          (No. B/93) Mr M. Chumroo (First Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Local Government and Rodrigues whether copy of a consultancy work entitled "The planimetric and topographic survey of storm water drain at Terre Rouge" is available at his Ministry and, if so, will he ascertain if the recommendations of the consultants can be implemented to alleviate the difficulties of the inhabitants of Terre Rouge. 

          Reply: I wish to inform the House that no consultancy work entitled "The planimetric and topographic Survey of Storm Water Drain at Terre Rouge" is available at the Ministry of Local Government and Rodrigues. 

I am informed, however, that in February 2000 the Pamplemousses/Rivière du Rempart District Council commissioned at Planimetric and Topographic Survey of Storm Water Drain in the region of Terre Rouge. 

Suggestions were made in the survey to resolve the problem.  However, in view of the cost implications which are relatively high, I am advised that only part of the project will be implemented by the Pamplemousses/Rivière du Rempart District Council. 

In reply to PQ B/23 of last week, I informed  the House that the newly appointed team of Consultants at the National Development Unit (NDU) will be requested to make a survey of the requirements of drains in the region of Terre Rouge and Le Hochet and to come up with appropriate recommendations to alleviate the difficulties of the inhabitants. 

ENRON RELATED COMPANIES - ACTIVITIES, INVESTMENTS, ETC.  

         (No. B/94) Mr M.  Dulloo (Third Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs whether he will, for the benefit of the House, and in regard to Enron related companies that are registered in Mauritius, obtain information and give a list thereof stating -  

(a)              their objects and line of activities;

(b)             the amount of investments involved in each case;

(c)             their relationship or business links with overseas legal entities; and

(d)             those who have been or are being wound up or dissolved. 

Reply: You will recall that at our sitting of Tuesday 26 March, I mentioned in reply to PQ B/41 that the Financial Services Commission has already initiated an inquiry on the impact of the Enron affair on Mauritian Enron subsidiaries and that so far no irregularity has been detected in respect of these companies. 

In the absence of any indication of malpractice on the part of Enron-related companies registered in Mauritius, it would not be appropriate to deprive these companies of the confidentiality protection that the law provides to all global business companies.  It will serve no purpose, therefore, to provide the list of companies, as requested, and to make disclosure of - 

(a)   their line of activities;

(b)  their investments; and

(c)  their business relationships and links internationally 

As regards part (d) of the question, a number of Enron-related companies have over the past few years made applications for dissolution.  Notices of such application for dissolution are public information as they are published in the Government Gazette.  I am tabling a list of such companies. 

The hon. Member should rest assured that notwithstanding confidentiality provisions, the Financial Services Commission has strengthened its supervision of all financial activities, including those of global business companies.   

ENRON MAURITIAN COMPANIES - AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  

           (No. B/95) Mr M.  Dulloo (Third Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs whether he will, in the wake of the Enron/Andersen scandal and other corporate failures in Mauritius, state what urgent measures he is introducing to provide sufficient checks and balances that can safeguard investors, employees and creditors.  

          Reply: I have already replied in the main to this question in my answer to PQ No. B/41 last week.  

The Companies Act 2001 already provides for enhanced corporate governance and improved safeguards for investors, employees and creditors.  

The forthcoming Securities Legislation will focus on a new framework for raising standards of governance for public companies.  A proposed Insolvency Act will review and update the existing insolvency provisions.  A new Insurance Bill as already announced, and other new and amended legislation governing financial services activities will reinforce the legal and business environment for a sounder development of the financial services industry.  

The World Bank is already conducting an assessment of corporate governance in Mauritius to be followed by an Action Plan for implementation in consultation with the Committee on corporate governance.  Government is requesting the World Bank to perform a similar assessment of accounting and auditing standards.  Government's aim is to benchmark corporate governance and accounting and auditing practices in Mauritius to internationally-accepted standards of disclosure and performance in the best interests of investors and all other corporate stakeholders.    

COMPANIES (DEFUNCT) - NUMBER, NAMES, ETC.  

          (No. B/96) Mr M.  Dulloo (Third Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or) asked the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs whether he will, for the benefit of the House and in regard to companies that have closed down or are being wound up or dissolved during the period 01 September 2001 to date, obtain information as to -

(a)   their number and names;

(b)  their sector of operation;

(c)  the amount of investments and debts involved; and

(d)  the number of employees laid off or being laid off.  

           Reply: Regarding companies defunct from 01 September 2001 to date or in the process of being wound-up over the same period, I am  tabling a list of publicly available information relating to defunct domestic companies, domestic companies being wound up as well as Global Business Companies with a Category 1 which have been dissolved and notified in the Government Gazette.  

However, it is to be noted that this list comprises some 756 companies.  Information, as requested, on their investments, debts and employees laid off are not readily available.  I, therefore, propose to seek this information for the more sizable companies and to lay it in the Library of the National Assembly as early as possible.    

ENRON  SUBSIDIARIES (MAURITIUS) - INVESTMENTS  

          (No. B/97) Mr M. Dulloo (Second Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or)   asked the Minister of Economic Development, Financial Services and Corporate Affairs whether he will, for the benefit of the House and in regard to Enron, ascertain whether an inquiry has been conducted into the investments carried out overseas through Enron subsidiaries in Mauritius, particularly in the energy sector in India and, if so, will he state - 

(a)   the amount of investments involved; 

(b)   the Mauritius and overseas companies involved; 

(c)   the names of the Mauritian consultancy, accounting, auditing and legal firms involved, and 

(d)   whether any legal action has been initiated here or in any overseas jurisdiction regarding those investments and ventures following the Enron collapse.. 

          Reply: As replied earlier, the inquiry initiated by the Financial Services Commission on the Enron-related subsidiaries in Mauritius does not so far reveal any malpractice.  There is no indication that these investee companies have committed any regulatory infringement in their investments overseas, including India, that would warrant an inquiry.  Confidentiality provisions for global business companies do not permit disclosure of information, as requested, on the business of Mauritian Enron subsidiaries investing in the energy sector in India. 

          As regards part (d) of the question, no legal action has been initiated under Mauritian law.  It is public knowledge that Enron Mauritius Company, an Enron-affiliated company registered in Mauritius and holding interests in Dabhol Power Company in India has filed a petition on 19 March 2002 under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code to preserve its assets from threatened action by secured creditors.  There is also ongoing commercial litigation in the Indian Courts pertaining to Dabhol Power Company. 

          As the hon. Member is aware, the Financial Services Commission is fulfilling its regulatory and supervisory duties and responsibilities under the new Financial Services Development Act 2001 through more effective powers and co-ordinated action with other regulatory authorities and through better access to information both locally and internationally on financial services activities.