Leave of Absence was granted to Mr. Vasant Bharath, Member of Parliament for St. Augustine for the period December 2007 to January 13, 2008 and the hon. Basdeo Panday, Member of Parliament for Couva North and Leader of the Opposition for the period December 22, 2007 to January 24, 2008.

The Speaker extended greetings to all Members of Parliament.

45 Papers were laid in the name of the Minister of Works and Transport. 19 were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee and 9 were referred to the Public Accounts Committee. See the Order Paper for details.

The Member for Tabaquite sought to raise a matter concerning crime. The Matter was denied and the Speaker ruled.

Explanation of what qualifies as a Definite Matter of Urgent Public Importance

The Minister of Health made a statement on Government’s Position on Tobacco Control.

The Minister of Social Development made a statement on the social sector agenda.

The Immigration (Advance Passenger Information) Bill, 2008 and the International Child Abduction Bill, 2008 were introduced.

Two Bills introduced on 17 December 2007 withdrawn:
The Immigration (Advance Passenger Information) Bill, 2007 and the International Child Abduction (No.2) Bill, 2007

The Minister of National Security moved the Motion.

The Attorney General made a Statement in the House concerning the operation of the Integrity in Public Life Act.

Dr. Browne began his maiden contribution in the House of Representatives.

The Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs (Hon. Marlene McDonald, MP) made her maiden contribution in the House of Representatives

The Leader of the House moved that the appointment of Committees pursuant to Section 66A be postponed until the end of January 2008.

The House adjourned to Friday January 18, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Prior to adjourning, Mr. Speaker announced that Dexter Francois, Parliamentary Attendant, would be leaving the Parliament today to take up a position in the Immigration Division.