The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Diego Martin Central and the Member for Toco/Sangre Grande.

29 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper for details.

The Second Report of the Joint Select Committee established to inquire into and Report to Parliament on Ministries (Group 2), and on the Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises falling under their purview on National Information Communication Technology Company Limited branded as IGOVTT was presented.

The First Report of the Joint Select Committee established to inquire into and report to Parliament on Ministries (Group 2), and on the Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises falling under their purview on Palo Seco Agricultural Enterprises Limited (PSAEL) was presented.

Nine Questions qualified for oral answer, with four being deferred to be answered at the next sitting. See the Order Paper.

The Prime Minister made a statement in the House about a program to create up to 20,000 jobs for communities in need.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communications presented a statement summarizing the events of the recent Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting held in Australia on October 28-30, 2011. He highlighted several opportunities that Trinidad and Tobago will pursue with countries in Africa and Europe.

Four Bills were introduced. 1. The Administration of Justice (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Bill, 2011.
2. The Customs (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2011. 3. The Equal Opportunity (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2011. 4. The State Suits Limitation (No. 2) Bill, 2011. The Minister of Justice moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings. Leave was granted.

The Minister of Justice moved the second reading of the Administration of Justice (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Bill, 2011. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, the Member for Port-of-Spain South, the Minister of Legal Affairs and the Minister of Education. The Minister of Justice then rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed 28 for, nine against, no abstentions.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to Establish a Joint Select Committee to consider Public Procurement, Disposal of Public Property and the repeal and replacement of the Central Tenders Board Act. The Leader of the House entered the debate, followed by the Minister of Education , the Member for Diego Martin North/East and the Prime Minister. The Leader of the House then concluded the debate. The Motion was approved.

The Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West raised as a Matter on the Motion for the adjournment of the House, the issue of “the lockout of the Principal and others of the Tunapuna Hindu School.” The Minister of Education responded.

The House adjourns to Friday November 11, 2011 at 1:30 p.m., at which time Private Business will take precedence.