The President allowed the Clerk to read a letter addressed to the Senate by attorney Seenath Jairam, SC, LLM in which Mr. Jairam responded to statements made by certain Senators during debate on the Commission of Enquiry (Validation and Immunity from Proceedings) Bill, 2009.

14 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

Nine Questions qualify for oral answer. Two questions were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper.

Six Questions qualify for written response. See the Order Paper.

Debate continued (from September 29, 2009) on a Private Motion by Senator Wade Mark. Two members made contributions (10 over the course of three days of debate) before Senator Mark rose to wind up. The Minister of Energy and Energy Industries then rose to respond as is permitted under Standing Order 33 (2). When the question was put, the Motion was defeated by a margin of 7 for, 18 against, 0 abstentions.

Senator Wade Mark raised as a matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Senate, the continued escalation in the cost of the Education Tower and the failure of the Government to curb same. The Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment responded.

At this sitting debate is expected to resume on the Tobacco Control Bill, 2009.