The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Laventille East/Morvant due to illness.

Three Papers were laid. See Order Paper for details.

Two Questions qualified for Oral Answer, both of which were answered by the Attorney General. See Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Finance Bill, 2012. The Leader of the Opposition rose to make the initial contribution to the debate followed by contributions by the Honourable Stephen Cadiz, the Minister of Trade and Industry and Member for Chaguanas East, Mr. Fitzgerald Jeffrey, the Member for La Brea, the Honourable Dr. Lincoln Douglas, Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development and Member for Lopinot/Bon Air West, Ms. Alicia Hospedales, Member for Arouca/Maloney, the Honourable Rodger Samuel, Member for Arima and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Patricia McIntosh, Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West, the Honourable Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, Member for Tabaquite and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communication and Ms. Marlene McDonald, Member for Port-of-Spain South. The Minister of Finance then rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendment. The Bill was then read a third time and passed.

The Speaker of the House moved the second reading of the National Ramleela Council (Incorporation) Bill, 2011.

The House adjourned to Friday February 10, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at which time the Government intends to debate a Motion to approve the Police Service (Amendment) Regulations 2011, and if time permits to move the second reading of the Legal Aid and Advice (Amendment) Bill, 2011. The sitting ended at 10:20 p.m.