The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for La Horquetta/Talparo (22-31 May), Chaguanas West (21 May-4 June) and Oropouche East (today).

The Minister of Finance laid two Papers, both of which were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee. See the Order Paper for details.

Seven Questions qualified for Oral Answer. All questions were deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

20 Questions qualified for a written response. See the Order Paper.

The Members for Caroni East, Oropouche West and Caroni Central each sought leave to raise Matters under Standing Order 12. In each case the Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify.

The Minister of Information resumed his contribution (from May 15) on the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2009. He was followed by the Member for Caroni East and the Minister of Tourism. A total of five members made contributions before debate was suspended.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago Bill, 2009. Following her contribution debate was suspended.

Before adjourning there were two matters raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House. First the Member for Caroni East raised the matter of “The failure of the Government to address an issue of wrongdoing raised by an Engineering Company about an official of the Estate Management Business Development Company Limited.” The Attorney General responded.

The Member for St. Augustine then raised the issue of “Government’s reckless expenditure during the recently concluded 5th Summit of the Americas in light of significant hardships being faced by the population.” The Minister of Finance responded.

At its next sitting the House is expected to consider Private Business.