Leave of Absence was granted to Mr. David Lee, MP for Pointe-a-Pierre, Mr. Prakash Ramadhar, MP for St. Augustine and Dr. Lackram Bodoe, MP for Fyzabad from today’s Sitting.

Seven papers were laid in the names of the Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, Minister of National Security and Deputy Speaker. Papers 1-2 were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee. See Order Paper for details.

Four Reports were presented. See Order Paper for details.

Prime Minister’s Question Time was a feature of this Sitting. Members of the Opposition posed questions to the Prime Minister. See Order Paper for details.

Six urgent questions were posed. See Order Paper for details.

Seven questions qualified for oral answer. Question #107 was deferred for two weeks. See Order Paper for details.

With the authorization of Cabinet, Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, MP, Prime Minister, made a statement on the natural gas situation in Trinidad and Tobago and his recent visit to Houston, Texas to conclude the addressing of this critical aspect of our economic well being.

Debate resumed on The Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement) Bill, 2017. Following the second reading, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole for consideration on a clause by clause basis. Further consideration of the clauses will continue on Friday April 28, 2017.

Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan raised a matter on the adjournment, namely the challenges experienced as a result of the lack of confirmed arrangement for transport of cargo and passengers to and from Tobago. The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

The House brought greetings to the Christian community on the event of Easter 2017. The Sitting concluded at 9:11 p.m. The House adjourned to Friday April 21, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.