Leave of absence was granted to the Member for San Fernando West for the period of May 12th – 20th, the Member for Naparima who is out of the country for the period of May 15th – 23rd, the Member for Mayaro who is out of the country for the period of May 16th – 26th, the Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara and the Member for San Fernando East who asked to be excused from the Sitting. Later in the Sitting the Speaker granted leave to the Prime Minister who asked that she be excused from today’s Sitting of the House.

Seven Papers were laid in the House. The Member for Couva South moved that Papers nos. 1 – 4 be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. See the Order Paper.

The Eighth Report of the Joint Select Committee on Ministries (Group 1), and on the Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises falling under their purview on Primary School Education was presented by the Member for Port of Spain North/ St. Ann’s West.

Three questions qualified for Oral Answer by Ministers. Questions nos. 126 and 127 were orally answered. Question no. 101 was deferred for one week. See the Order Paper.

Question No. 57 was circulated. Questions Nos. 56, 61, 99, 115, 120 and 122 remain un-circulated. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to approve the notification of the President, nominating Prof. Ramesh Deosaran to serve as a member of the Police Service Commission. The Leader of the Opposition was the first to enter the debate. The Member for Arima was next to contribute followed by the Member for Diego Martin North/East. The Leader of the House then rose to respond. The Motion was then put to a vote of the House and then approved by a Division of 19 members voting For, 0 members voting Against and 8 members Abstaining.

The Second Reading of the Miscellaneous Provisions (Licensing Committee) Bill, 2014 which was adjourned on Friday March 21, 2014 was resumed. The Member for Arouca/Maloney was the first to enter the debate followed by the Member for St. Ann’s East. The Member for St. Augustine then rose to respond. The Bill was then read a second time. The House then resolved itself into Committee Stage to consider the Bill clause by clause. The Bill was then read a third time and passed with Amendments

The Minister of Finance and the Economy moved that the Senate Amendments to the Finance Bill, 2014 listed in Appendix II be considered. The Clerk then read the Amendments aloud. The Minister of Finance and the Economy then moved that the House agree to the Senate Amendments to clauses nos. 3, 4, 10, 11, 14, 16 and 20. The Speaker of the House then put the question before the House and the Motion was approved.

The House Adjourned to Friday 23rd May at 1:30 p.m. where Motion No. 2 under Private Business is expected to be considered.