The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Naparima from today’s sitting.

Debate resumed (from September 30, 2008) on the Appropriation Bill, 2009 with the Minister of Information being first to contribute, followed by the Minister of Public Administration. In all some eight persons made contributions before the Minister of Finance concluded the debate. Throughout the four days of debate on this Bill, some 39 persons including the Minister of Finance and three Ministers from the Senate participated. The House then resolved into Finance Committee to consider the bill and the estimates. The Bill was then read a third time and passed.

Before adjourning the Speaker indicated that Mr. Colm Imbert and Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar were appointed under Standing Orders 71 and 75 to the Committee of Privileges. The House adjourned at 6:50 p.m.