The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the National Home Builders Registration Council for the financial year ending 31 March 2002, reports as follows:

The Committee notes the qualified opinion expressed by the Auditor-General with concern.
The Committee also noted the following issues raised under Emphasis of Matter:

An amount of R1 300 000 relating to penalties and interest for the late submission of VAT ret urns, is regarded as fruitless expenditure;
Various weaknesses in internal control, and
Non-compliance with laws and regulations.

Having considered the Annual Report, the Report of the Auditor-General and noted the qualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, the Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the accounting authority is necessary for the financial year under review.

The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General.