The Deputy Speaker granted leave of absence from today’s sitting to the Members for Toco/Sangre Grande, Diego Martin West, Tabaquite, Moruga/Tableland, Laventille East/Morvant, Point Fortin and La Brea.

13 Questions qualified for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment moved a Motion asking the House to exempt certain categories of goods from import duties of customs. See the Order Paper. The Member for Arouca/Maloney was the first to contribute, followed by the Member for Couva South and the Member for St. Joseph. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment then rose to conclude the debate. The Motion was then approved.

During debate on the Customs Motion, the Deputy Speaker sought and obtained leave of the House to revert to Announcements. She noted with sadness the passing of former Attorney General and MP Mr. Karl Hudson-Phillips Q.C. The Deputy Speaker then invited Members to pay their respects. The Members of the House then stood for one minute of silence.

The Attorney General moved the second reading of the Libel and Defamation (Amendment) Bill, 2013 Mr. Colm Imbert, MP was the first to join the debate.