The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Diego Martin West and the Member for La Brea from today’s sitting. The Speaker also announced that Mr. Subhas Panday (Princes Town North) and Ms. Mickela Panday (Oropouche West) were appointed to the Special Select Committee of the House on the Status of Children (Amendment) Bill, 2009.

14 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

The Member for Caroni East raised the matter of the measures being taken by the Government to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus and the Member for Caroni Central raised the matter of the acute shortage of potable water in Flanagin Town and surrounding areas. In both cases the Speaker noted that while the matters were important, they did not qualify under this Standing Order.

13 Questions qualified for oral answer. All were deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

Two questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

Two Bills are to be introduced. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Works and Transport resumed his contribution (from April 3, 2009) on the Bill. He was followed by the Member for Princes Town North and the Attorney General.

The Member for Lopinot/Bon Air West raised a matter of Privilege concerning statements made by the Member for Siparia during her contribution on the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2009. He moved that the matter be referred to the Committee of Privileges for consideration and report. The Speaker ruled that the matter raised by the Member for Lopinot/Bon Air West be so referred.

The Attorney General then resumed her contribution on the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2009, followed by the Member for Caroni East.