The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Caroni Central (29 Jan-12 Feb), La Horquetta/Talparo (25-31 Jan) and Tobago West (28-30 Jan).

Thirteen Papers were laid, eleven in the name of the Minister of Finance, one in the name of the Minister of National Security and one in the name of the Minister of Information. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

The Member for Oropouche West sought leave under Standing Order 12, to raise as a definite matter, the plight of several residents in her Constituency, some of whom have not received pipe borne water for as long as two months. The Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under S.O. 12 but would have qualified under Standing Order 11 (Matter raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House).

The Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education made a statement on the decision of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to expand the Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine Campus).

The Minister of Public Utilities made a statement about the efforts by the Water and Sewerage Authority to provide a more reliable supply of water throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Bill, 2010 was introduced in the name of the Minister of Finance.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security moved the Second Reading of the Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2010. The Member for Caroni East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Speaker and the Member for Princes Town North. A total of seven members made interventions before the Minister rose to begin her wind-up. Debate on the Bill was then suspended.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Securities Bill, 2010. The Bill was then referred to a Joint Select Committee.

The Minister of Social Development moved the second reading of the Children Bill, 2010. The Bill was then referred to a Special Select Committee of the House of Representatives.

At its next sitting the House is expected to debate a Motion in the name of the Minister of Local Government to affirm the Draft Order entitled “The Elections and Boundaries Commission Order, 2009.”