The Speaker granted Leave of Absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Tabaquite.

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

The Minister of Finance moved the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, 2009. The Member for Siparia was first to enter the debate, followed by the Prime Minister. In all some eight members made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude the debate. The Bill was later passed with amendments.

The Member for Caroni East raised the matter of the failure of the Government to inform the public of the state of readiness pertaining to the hosting of the Summit of the Americas in Port-of-Spain in April 2009. The Minister of Information responded.

At its next sitting the House will debate a Motion to adopt the report of the Finance Committee.