The Speaker granted leave of absence (from today’s sitting) to the Member for Caroni Central, the Member for Couva North and the Member for Oropouche West.

The Speaker made a ruling on a Matter of Privilege raised by the Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara against the Member for Diego Martin West on October 26, 2012. The Speaker ruled that no prima facie case of breach of privilege had been made out.

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

The Attorney General made a statement on matters related to the arbitration between BAE Systems and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Prime Minister then made a statement on the removal of Value Added Tax on many commonly used food items.

The Minister of Finance and the Economy moved the second reading of the Securities Bill, 2012. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Finance and the Economy. The Minister of Finance then rose to respond. The Bill was referred to a Joint Select Committee for consideration and report.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to appoint the following Members to the Joint Select Committee on the Securities Bill, 2012: Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Mr. Rudranath Indarsingh, Mr. Stephen Cadiz, Ms. Marlene McDonald and Mr. Colm Imbert. The House agreed.

The Leader of the Opposition raised the matter of the inconvenience and suffering experienced by residents of the Point Cumana area. The Minister of Local Government responded.

The Leader of the Opposition raised a second matter about the status of the gas station in Carenage. The Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs responded.

The sitting ended at 6:16 p.m.