Powers and Privileges of Parliament and the Constitution Amendment Act, 1985

by enacted by the Parliament of South Africa

Act

To amend the Powers and Privileges of Parliament Act, 1963, so as to provide for its application in the case of a committee which performs its functions beyond the seat of Parliament or while Parliament is prorogued; to amend the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, 1983, so as to empower a joint committee of the Houses of Parliament which is otherwise authorized thereto, to meet and work beyond the seat of Parliament; and confer a limited right on the Chief Whip of Parliament to sit and to speak in a House of which he is not a member; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

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(English text signed by the State President.)
(Assented to 10 July 1985.)

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Be it enacted by the State President and the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:―

Insertion of section 34 in Act 91 of 1963.

1. The following section is hereby inserted in the Powers and Privileges of Parliament Act, 1963, after section 33:

“Application of Act in case of committee meeting beyond seat or during recess of Parliament.

34. In so far as may be necessary for the achievement of the objects of this Act in the case of a committee which in terms of any authority conferred upon it performs its functions beyond the seat of Parliament or while Parliament is prorogued, the provisions of this Act shall apply as if the premises in which the committee meets for the performance of its functions were within the precincts of Parliament, or as if Parliament were in session, as the case may be.”.

Amendment of section 64 of Act 110 of 1983, as amended by section 8 of Act 105 of 1984.

2. Section 64 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, 1983, is hereby amended by the addition of the following subsection:

“(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 36, a joint committee may, in terms of the joint rules and orders applicable to it or if otherwise authorized thereto by each House, meet and exercise or perform its powers, duties and functions at a place beyond the seat of Parliament.”.

Amendment of section 65 of Act 110 of 1983, as substituted by section 9 of Act 105 of 1984.

3. Section 65 of the Republic of South Africa Constitution Act, 1983, is hereby amended by the addition of the following subsection:

“(3) A member of a House who holds the office of Chief Whip of Parliament has the right to sit in any other House and to speak on the arrangement of the business of such other House, but may not vote therein.”.

Short title.

4. This Act shall be called the Powers and Privileges of Parliament and the Constitution Amendment Act, 1985.