The President granted leave of absence to Sen. Michael Annisette. Ms. Althea Rocke was appointed to temporarily replace Sen. Annisette during his absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Finance Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives on March 12, 2010, was read a first time in the Senate in the name of the Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance.

Eight Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Three Questions qualify for oral answer. One questions was answered. See the Order Paper.

Nine Questions qualify for written response. See the Order Paper.

Sen. Linus Rogers raised a matter of privilege concerning statements made by Sen. Wade Mark during his contribution on the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill, 2010 on March 9, 2010. The President indicated that he would rule on the matter at the next sitting.

The Leader of Government Business moved a Motion asking that Mr. Mervyn Assam replace Dr. Adesh Nanan on the Public Accounts Committee. Leave was granted.

The Minister of National Security moved the second reading of the Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2010. Sen. Verna St. Rose Greaves was first to enter the debate, making her maiden contribution. She was followed by Sen. Prof. Ramesh Deosaran and Sen. Lyndira Oudit. Ten Senators made interventions before the Minister rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendment. At third reading the Bill was passed by a majority of 28 for and none against.

The Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the Second Reading of the Petrotrin Pensions Bill, 2010. Sen. Mervyn Assam was first to contribute, followed by Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan and Sen. Wade Mark. The Minister then rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. At third reading the Bill was passed by a margin of 24 for, none against.

At the next sitting the House will consider Private Business. The sitting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.