The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Prime Minister, the Member for Tunapuna (April 21-28), the Member for Chaguanas East (April 24-26) and the Member for St. Ann’s East (April 26-May 11). Near the end of the sitting the Speaker also granted leave of absence to the Member for St. Joseph.

One Paper was laid. See the Order Paper.

One Report was presented. See the Order Paper.

One Question qualified for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of the Opposition is moving a Private Motion asking the House to “express its disapproval of the failure of the Prime Minister to act expeditiously to take appropriate action to protect the image and interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago which are being consistently damaged by the actions and business of the Member for Chaguanas West and former Minister of National Security.” The Member for Chaguanas West was first to enter the debate, followed by the Member for Diego Martin North/East, the Minister of Housing, Land and Marine Affairs and the Minister of Sport. The Leader of the Opposition then rose to conclude the debate. The Ag. Prime Minister then rose in response to the Motion as allowed under the Standing Orders. The Motion was defeated.

During debate on the Private Motion the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development was granted leave by the House to make a statement to the House about the auditing of the accounts of the Public Services Association.

The sitting ended at 8:44 p.m.