Leave of Absence was granted to Hon. Anthony Garcia, MP for Arima, Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, MP for Siparia and Dr. Fuad Khan, MP for Barataria/San Juan for today’s sitting.

Three papers were laid in the names of the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Speaker. Papers #1 and #2 were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee. See Order Paper for details.

The Member for Laventille East/Morvant, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, presented the Interim Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2015.

The Attorney General presented the Interim Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Whistleblower Protection Bill, 2015.

The Minister of Finance presented the first report of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives for the 1st Session of the 11th Parliament on the consideration of proposals for the Variation of Appropriation for the fiscal year 2015.

Three questions qualified for oral answers. Three questions were answered. See Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Finance introduced The Finance (Variation of Appropriation) (Financial Year 2015) Bill, 2016 and moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings.

The Minister of Finance moved a motion that the Joint Select Committee appointed to consider and report on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2015, be allowed an extension of six (6) weeks to complete its work and submit a report by February 26, 2016.

The Attorney General moved a motion that the Joint Select Committee appointed to consider and report on the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2015, be allowed an extension of two (2) months to complete its work and submit a report by March 22, 2016.

A private motion moved by the Member for Caroni East at the 9th Sitting of the house of Representatives (November 27, 2016) was debated. This motion sought to ask Government to take urgent steps to ensure that all students are provided with textbooks, workbooks and/or other learning material in fulfillment of commitments given for the academic year 2015 to 2016.

A motion was moved by the Minister of Finance that the House adopt the First Report of the Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives for the First Session (2015/2016), Eleventh Parliament on the consideration of proposals for the Variation of Appropriation for the fiscal year 2015. The motion was approved.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Finance (Variation of Appropriation) (Financial Year 2015) Bill, 2016. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

Dr. Tim Gopeesingh raised his concern on the lack of representation of Trinidad and Tobago at the 38th UNESCO General Conference and the 198th Session of the UNESCO Executive Board in 2015. Hon. Dr. Lovell Francis, MP addressed his concerns.

Opposition Member, David Lee, MP, expressed his concern on the matter of the failure of the Government to engage in consultation with the relevant stakeholders prior to the imposition of a punitive policy on the foreign used motor vehicle market. Minister of Trade and Industry, Sen. the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, spoke to his concerns.

The Sitting concluded at 7:15 p.m. The House adjourned to a date to be fixed.