The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Members for Tabaquite and Diego Martin North/East as well as a ninety day leave of absence for the Member for San Fernando East.

Eleven Papers were laid. See Order Paper and Supplemental for details.

The Miscellaneous Provisions (Maternity Protection and the Masters and Servants Ordinance) Bill, 2012 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development.

The Finance Bill, 2012 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Finance. The Leader of the House moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken on Wednesday February 08, 2012. This was granted.

The Minister of Public Utilities moved a motion asking the House to approve the Water Improvement Rate (Point Lisas Industrial Estate)(Variation) Order, 2011. The Leader of the Opposition rose to make the initial contribution to the debate followed contributions by the Minister of Housing and the Environment and the Members for Arouca/Maloney, La Horquetta/Talparo and Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West. The Minister of Public Utilities then rose to conclude the debate, and the Motion was approved.

The House adjourned to Wednesday February 8, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at which time the Government intends to take through all its stages the Finance Bill, 2012. The sitting ended at 11:40 p.m.