The Vice-President of the Senate granted leave of absence to Sen. the Hon. Dr. Lenny Saith, who was out of the country. Mr. Noel Gail was appointed to replace Dr. Saith during his absence from Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives on Friday September 19, 2008, was read a first time in the Senate. The Minister moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings. Leave was granted.

One Paper in the name of the Minister of Planning, Housing and Environment was laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Five Questions qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper for details.

Five Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

Since this was the 4th Tuesday of the month, Private Business should ordinarily be dealt with first. The Leader of Government Business sought leave of the Senate to deal with Public Business instead of Private Business. Leave was granted.

The Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the second reading of the Finance (Supplementary Appropriation) Bill, 2008. 12 Senators made contributions before the Minister concluded the debate. The Bill was later read a third time and passed.

Sen. Dr. Adesh Nanan raised the matter of the Secrecy surrounding the impending shutdown of the Central Experiments Station in Centeno. The Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources responded.

The Senate adjourned to Monday October 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., when it will debate the Appropriation Bill, 2009 (Budget). The Sitting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.