The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for La Horquetta/Talparo (Hon. Roger Joseph, MP) for the period 17-23 May, 2008.

Eight Questions qualify for oral answer. The Leader of the House indicated that the Government was in a position to answer three questions (121, 138 and 139) which were answered by the Minister of Planning, Housing and Environment (121) and the Leader of the House (138 and 139) on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries) and the Minister of Education respectively. The remaining questions were deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

14 Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Member for Caroni East sought leave to raise as a definite matter of urgent public importance the failure of the Government to deal with the health care system in the San Fernando General Hospital leading to the cancellation of elective surgery. The Speaker ruled that having investigated the matter he was satisfied it no longer qualified under this Standing Order.

The Leader of the House indicated that the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives met earlier and had not yet completed its deliberations. He sought leave of the House to resume the meeting of the Finance Committee. Leave was granted, and the Speaker ordered that the public and media galleries be cleared. Upon the conclusion of Finance Committee the sitting resumed.

Debate began on a Motion in the name of the Minister of Works and Transport which seeks to appoint members to a Joint Select Committee on UDeCOTT. During the contribution of the Member for Tabaquite the debate on the Motion was suspended to allow a Statement by the Minister of Education.

The Minister of Education made a Statement pertaining to matters related to a breach of the CAPE and CSEC Examination Papers. Following the Statement, the sitting was suspended for tea.

Following the tea break the Member for Tabaquite resumed his contribution on the Motion to appoint members to the Joint Select Committee on UDeCOTT. He was followed by the Attorney General, the Prime Minister, who during his contribution announced the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry into the construction sector comprising four persons and chaired by Mr. Gordon Deane, and the Member for Chaguanas West.

The Member for Cumuto Manzanilla raised the matter: The failure of the Government to provide adequate support for farmers in the Plum Mitan rice scheme in the Nariva swamp area. The Minister of Agriculture responded.

The House adjourned to Monday May 26, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. On that occasion the House will consider a Finance (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill, 2008.