The Speaker granted leave of absence to the MPs for Tunapuna, Toco/Sangre Grande, Laventille East/Morvant, Oropouche West and Cumuto/Manzanilla.

The Bill, which was passed in the Senate on June 22, 2017 was read a first time in the House of Representatives. The Attorney General moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken on Wednesday June 28, 2017. The House agreed.

Two Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

One Report, the Second Report of the Joint Select Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure for the Second Session (2016/2017) of the Eleventh Parliament on an Inquiry into the Allocation and Utilisation of State Lands for Food Production, was presented by the Member for Diego Martin Central.

12 Urgent Questions were approved. See the Order Paper for details.

There are 11 Questions on Notice which qualify for oral answer. See the Order Paper.

The Leader of the Opposition sought leave to move as a definite matter of urgent public importance, the failure of the government to provide adequate resources and relief in a timely, effective and efficient manner to alleviate hardship, suffering, anguish and distress of the population in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Bret. The Speaker was satisfied that the matter qualified under this Standing Order and sought leave of the House to proceed. The House agreed and the matter was stood down until 6 p.m.

Debate continued (from June 14, 2017) on the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Member for Oropouche East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Health and the Member for Chaguanas East. 11 Members made contributions over the course of two days of debate, before the Attorney General rose to conclude. The Bill was read a second time. The House then resolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Bill clause by clause. The Bill was considered and passed without amendment. It was then read a third time and passed.

At 6 p.m. the Leader of the Opposition raised the definite matter approved for consideration. The Minister of Works and Transport was first to respond, followed by the Member for Tabaquite and the Minister of Public Utilities.

At the next sitting the House is expected to debate the Miscellaneous Provisions (Trial by Judge Alone) Bill, 2017.