Leave of absence was granted to the Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West. See the Order Paper.

Five Papers were laid. Papers nos. 1-4 were referred to the Public Accounts Committee. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

The first Prime Minister’s Question time was held under the new Standing Orders.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of the People and Social Development made a Statement. The Member for Diego Martin Central then rose to pose brief questions as allowed under the new Standing Orders.

The Prime Minister moved the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The Leader of the Opposition was the first to contribute followed by the Member for St. Augustine, the Member for Chaguanas West, the Leader of the House and the Opposition Chief Whip. 20 Members spoke before the Prime Minister rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. At third reading a division was taken the result of which was 23 for, 14 against, one abstention.

The Leader of the House moved a motion asking the House to establish a Joint Select Committee to consider the Draft Houses of Parliament Service Authority Bill, 2014, which was considered in the previous session. The Opposition Chief Whip rose briefly to indicate no objection. The Motion was then approved.

The House agreed to the establishment of a Joint Select Committee to propose a legislative framework to cover election campaign financing and to report to Parliament within six months. The Motion was approved.

The Leader of the House indicated that at the next sitting, the reading of the national budget would take place. Before adjourning the Speaker named the members appointed to the various Standing Committees. The Speaker also clarified a matter which was in the public domain, concerning the previous sitting adjourning to a date during the recess period. The sitting ended at 4:13 a.m.