The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Tunapuna (Jan 23-29), Toco/Sangre Grande (Jan 26-29), Caroni East (Jan 26-31) and Tabaquite, Diego Martin West and Siparia (today’s sitting).

Four Questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered. See the Order Paper.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading on the Finance Bill, 2013, which was introduced in the House on Tuesday January 22, 2013. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, the Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West and the Member for St. Joseph. Ten members made contributions before the Minister of Finance and the Economy rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.

The sitting ended at 11:43 p.m.