The Speaker read into the record two letters of congratulation to the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of Independence, the first from Commonwealth Secretary General William Shija and the second from the Speaker of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada.

One Paper was laid. The Paper, which is in the name of the Minister of Finance, was referred to the Public Accounts Commtittee. See the Order Paper for details.

12 Questions qualify for oral answer. One question was answered (178) and the rest deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

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

The Minister of Finance announced that the Budget Presentation would be made in the House of Representatives on Monday September 22, 2008 at 2 p.m.

The Member for Tabaquite moved a Private Motion which asks the House of Representatives to declare that it has no confidence in the Prime Minister. Seven Members made contributions on the Motion before the Member for Tabaquite concluded the debate. The Prime Minister then responded under Standing Order 34 (Right of Reply) which allows a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary to conclude a debate on any motion which is critical of the Government, or affects adversely or is calculated to bring discredit upon the Government or an Officer thereof. The motion was defeated by a margin of 14 for and 19 against.

At its next sitting the House will consider a Supplementary Appropriation Bill. The Leader of the House also indicated that the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives would meet on Wednesday September 17, 2008 at 1 p.m.