The President granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Brig. John Sandy, Sen. the Hon. Mary King and Sen. David Abdulah. Mrs. Lynette Abraham, Mr. Sylvester P. Ramquar and Mr. Akins Vidale were appointed to temporarily replace Senators Sandy, King and Abdulah respectively. The President also announced the revocation of the appointment of Sen. Ted Roopnarine and the appointment of Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh as a member of the Senate.

The President read a letter from the Speaker of the House indicating the appointment of House members to the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Accommodation, and to the Joint Select Committee on Legislative proposals on public procurement and repealing of the Central Tenders Board Act. The Leader of Government Business indicated that the matter would be dealt with later in the proceedings.

Two Papers were laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

Two questions qualified for oral answer. Both questions were answered. See the Order Paper for details.

The Leader of Government Business moved two motions naming members to the Joint Select Committees mentioned earlier. The Motions were approved.

The Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs moved a Motion asking the House to approve the compulsory acquisition of land for a public purpose. Sen. Terrence Deyalsingh was first to enter the debate, followed by Sen. Prof. Harold Ramkissoon and the Leader of Government Business in the Senate.

At its next sitting, debate will continue on the Land Acquisition motion and, time permitting, debate is expected to begin on the Petrotrin Pensions (No.2) Bill, 2010. Before adjourning, greetings were extended to the Hindu community on the occasion of Divali. The sitting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.