The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Chaguanas West (December 6-15) and Oropouche East (today).

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

Seven Questions are to be posed under Prime Minister’s Questions.

Two urgent questions were posed and answered. The Questions are appended to the Order Paper.

There are seven questions on notice on the Order Paper.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Anti-Gang Bill, 2017, which was introduced in the House on December 1, 2017. The Member for Naparima was first to enter the debate, followed by the Member for Laventille West, the Member for St. Augustine, the Minister of Health and the Leader of the Opposition. 19 Members made contributions before the Attorney General rose to conclude. The Bill was read a second time and referred to a Committee of the Whole to be considered clause by clause. The Bill was approved at Committee Stage with amendments. At third reading the bill failed to receive the support of a three fifths majority and was defeated. The result of the division was 21 for, 12 against, 1 abstention.

The Member for Caroni East raised the issue of the failure of the Government to provide adequate health care. The Minister of Health responded.

The House adjourns to Friday December 8, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at which time the Finance Bill will be considered. The sitting ended at 1:22 a.m.