The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Lopinot/Bon Air West (today’s sitting). The Speaker also brought to the attention of the House communication from the President of the Senate advising of the decision of the Senate to appoint a Joint Select Committee to consider the establishment of a legislative framework for election campaign financing.

Seven Questions qualify for oral answer. Four Questions (47,40,51,54) were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Three Questions qualify for written answer. The responses to two questions were circulated. See the Order Paper for details.

The Member for Fyzabad raised a matter concerning the retention of the services of Mr. Gerry McCaffrey to the Commission of Enquiry into the construction sector. The Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The Leader of the House moved that Standing Order 90 (2) be moved with respect to Standing Order 38 (Anticipation of Debates). The Minister of Finance then made a statement in response to allegations being made about her having prior knowledge of the financial status of CL Financial.

The Member for Siparia moved a Private Motion which asks the House, inter alia, to express its lack of confidence in Mrs. Karen Nunez-Teshiera as Minister of Finance. The Minister of Works and Transport was first to respond to the Motion. During his contribution debate on the Motion was suspended.

At its next sitting the House will debate the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2009.