The Speaker granted leave of absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Naparima and the Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara. The Speaker also granted leave of absence to the Leader of the Opposition for the period February 28-March 3, 2013. The Speaker then welcomed to the Chamber Mr. Kelvin Charles, Presiding Officer of the Tobago House of Assembly.

Three Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

Three questions qualify for oral answer. Two questions were answered and the third deferred for one week due to the relevant Minister’s absence from today’s sitting. See the Order Paper.

One Bill, An Act to amend the Defence Act, Chap. 14:01, was introduced in the name of the Attorney General. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

The Minister of Legal Affairs moved the second reading of the Marriage Bill, 2012. The Member for Laventille East/Morvant was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Member for Diego Martin North/East. The Minister of Legal Affairs then rose to conclude. The Bill was then considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed.

The Minister of National Security made a statement in the House.

The Minister of Legal Affairs then moved the second reading of the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012. The Opposition Chief Whip was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Production, the Member for Diego Martin North/East and the Member for Arouca/Maloney. The Minister of Legal Affairs then rose to conclude. The Bill was then considered in Committee and passed with amendments. It was then read a third time and passed..

During debate on the Births and Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2012 the Prime Minister rose to make a statement on matters surrounding reports of the existence of a so called ‘Flying Squad’

At the next sitting debate is expected on the Defence (Amendment) Bill, 2013. The sitting ended at 8:03 p.m.