The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Members for Diego Martin West, St. Ann’s East, Princes Town, Arouca/Maloney and Barataria/San Juan from today’s sitting.

Four Papers were laid. See the Order Paper for details.

Five Questions qualified for Oral Answer, of which one was answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

The Minister of Public Utilities moved the second reading of the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2012. The Member for La Brea rose to initiate the debate with his contribution followed by contributions by the Members for Couva South, Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West and Diego Martin North/East. The Minister of Public Utilities rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendment. The Bill was then read a third time and passed.

The Member for Diego Martin Central raised as a matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, “The policy of the Government with respect to the suitability of persons for appointment to the Board of Directors of the Education Facilities Company Limited and State Enterprises generally”. The Minister of Housing and the Environment and Leader of the House responded.

The House adjourned to a date to be fixed. Before adjourning, Members of the House of Representatives brought greetings to the nation on the observance of Mother’s Day on May 13, 2012. The sitting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.