The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Chaguanas East (Jan 20-23, 2013), the Member for San Fernando East (42 days beginning on Jan 23, 2013) and the Members for Couva South, Laventille East/Morvant, Tobago East, Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West and Diego Martin West (today).

The sitting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

The Speaker made a statement on several developments in ICT taking place in the Office of the Parliament as part of its 4-year ICT Strategic Plan. The plan was developed in collaboration with the European Union, the United Nations and the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration
(CARICAD).

Seven Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Three reports were presented. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

The Minister of Finance and the Economy introduced the Finance (Supplementation and Variation of Appropriation) (Financial Year 2012) Bill, 2013 and moved that the next stage of this Bill be taken later in the proceedings. Leave was granted.

Six questions qualified for oral answer. All six were answered. See the Order Paper.

One Bill was introduced. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

The Minister of Finance and the Economy moved a Motion asking the House to adopt the First Report (2012-2013 Session) of the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to participate in the debate, followed by the Minister of Housing, Land and Marine Affairs, the Member for Point Fortin, the Minister of National Security and the Opposition Chief Whip. The Minister of Finance and the Economy then rose to conclude. The Motion was approved. The Finance (Supplementation and Variation of Appropriation)(Financial Year 2012) Bill, 2013 was then taken through all its stages and passed.

The Finance Bill, 2013 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Finance and the Economy.

The sitting ended at 7:32 p.m.