The Speaker informed the House about a letter from the President of the Senate announcing that Sen. June Melville replaces Sen. Conrad Enill on two Joint Select Committees (Part I and Part II). In addition the Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Tabaquite.

Two Papers were laid. See the Order Paper

Ten Questions qualify for written answer. One question was answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper.

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

The Minister of Information sought leave to raise as a matter of privilege, an article in a daily newspaper that, the members alleges, was critical of the Speaker. The Speaker ruled that, since the matter involved him, the Deputy Speaker would make a ruling on whether the matter should be referred to the Committee of Privileges.

The Member for Couva North moved a Private Motion which asks the Government to take immediate steps to bailout the Hindu Credit Union. Following the presentation of the Leader of the Opposition, the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs made a statement.

The Minister of Sport made a statement in the House on the Government’s support of the Trinidad and Tobago national cricket team.

The Minister of Finance then entered debate on the Private Motion, followed by the Member for St. Augustine and the Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development.

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (Incorporation) Bill, 2009 was read a second time. The Deputy Speaker then appointed five members to a Special Select Committee to consider the Bill.

Before the adjournment, several matters were raised on the Motion for the Adjournment of the Senate. Firstly, the member for Caroni East raised “The urgent necessity by the Government and the Ministry of Health to fully inform, educate and allay the widespread fear, anxiety and apprehension of the citizens, medical, nursing and paramedical personnel on prevention, testing, early detection, treatment and management in addition to much desired policies, programmes and protocols on the Influenza A H1N1 Virus” The Minister of Health responded.

Next, the Member for Oropouche East raised the following matter, “the failure of the Ministry of Works and its related agencies to undertake emergency repairs and rehabilitation to the roads at Ghandi Village, Debe as requested by Members of Parliament, the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation and the villagers of Ghandi Village.” The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

At its next sitting, debate is expected to begin on the Metrology (Amendment) Bill, 2009. The Bill is in the name of the Minister of the Minister of Trade and Industry.