The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for San Fernando East (today’s sitting) and the Member for Tunapuna (May 5-11, 2015)

The Speaker addressed two matters of privilege raised at previous sittings of the House. In the first case, a matter raised by the Leader of the Opposition against the Minister of Energy and Energy affairs, the Speaker explained that no prima facie case had been made which warranted the matter to be referred to the Committee of Privileges. However in the second matter raised by the Prime Minister against the Leader of the Opposition, the Speaker ruled that a case had indeed been made, prima facie, which warranted its referral to the Committee of Privileges.

Seven Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

The Prime Minister responded to 16 questions from the Leader of the Opposition, the Member for Chaguanas West and the Member for Point Fortin.

There are three Urgent Questions to the Minister of Finance and the Economy from the Member for Chaguanas West. They were to be taken later in the proceedings.

Two Questions qualified for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion asking the House to censure the Member for Diego Martin West and Leader of the Opposition, and suspend him from the service of the House. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, the Member for Chaguanas West, the Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development, the Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister. The Leader of the House then rose to conclude. The Motion was approved by a margin of 24 for, 1 against, no abstentions.

The Leader of the House moved a motion asking the House to appoint members to serve with an equal number in the Senate on the Joint Select Committee to consider the Insurance Bill, 2015. The Motion was approved.

The House adjourned to Friday May 8, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. At the next sitting debate is expected to begin on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2015, conclude debate on the Precursor Chemicals (No.2) Bill, 2014, continue debate on the Motion to consider the 36th Annual Report of the Ombudsman and, time permitting, agree to Senate amendments to the Trade Marks Bill, 2014. The sitting ended at 9:21 p.m.