Cape Town - Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota has been told by National Assembly speaker Frene Ginwala that his failure to disclose his financial interests fully was both disappointing and regrettable.

Lekota received a written reprimand, published yesterday in parliamentary papers, for failing to comply fully with the parliamentary code of conduct in completing his declaration of members' interests.

Ginwala said in the letter that Lekota had sent her a written apology and had co-operated fully with the parliamentary ethics committee investigation. She said the fine of seven days salary, recommended by Parliament, should be paid without delay to the secretary of parliament.

Lekota still faces the internal disciplinary committee of the African National Congress and an investigation by the public protector, Lawrence Mushwana.

With acknowledgements to Wyndham Hartley and the Business Day.