Cape Town - The future of trade and industry department representative in the country's arms deal negotiations, Vanan Pillay, has yet to be decided, it emerged on Tuesday.

It was reported earlier that Pillay had resigned ahead of disciplinary action for allegedly receiving a R57 000 discount on a Mercedes-Benz car from a potential bidder in the arms acquisition deal.

This was confirmed by Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin last Thursday, when he said Pillay had tendered his resignation and it had been accepted.

However, Erwin's spokesperson Edwin Smith said on Tuesday that at the time of the minister's statement he (Erwin) had been unaware of the latest developments, as he had just returned from a World Trade Organisation meeting in Doha, Qatar.

Smith said Pillay had indeed tendered his resignation, but it had not yet been accepted because of the possible implications for the process of disciplinary action.

No action is expected this week, as trade and industry director-general Alistair Ruiters is abroad until Friday.

Smith said an "announcement" regarding Pillay would be made at the appropriate time.