The Speaker granted leave of absence to Hon Kennedy Swaratsingh (18-26 Oct), Mr. Jack Warner (19 Oct-3 Nov, 2008) and Ms. Pennelope Beckles (24-31 October).

The Speaker then informed the House of the passing of Peter Jeffery Farquhar. Tribute was paid to Mr. Farquar, a former member for Pointe-a-Pierre, by the Leader of the House, the Member for Caroni Central and the Speaker of the House. The members of the House then stood for one minute’s silence.

Eight Papers were laid, seven in the name of the Minister of Finance and one in the name of the Minister of Health, which was laid by the Leader of the House.

Six Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question was answered (208) and the rest deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

Six questions qualify for written answer. The Leader of the House indicated that the response to one question (209) would be circulated. See the Order Paper for details.

Two Members raised matters under this item on the Order Paper. First the Member for St. Augustine raised the matter of escalating criminal activities taking place in the country, followed by the Member for Oropouche East who raised the issue of escalating incidents of nationwide flooding. In both instances the Speaker indicated that while the matters were worthy of discussion, they did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The Minister of Social Development then moved the Second Reading of the Children Bill, 2008. He was followed by the Member for Siparia.

Following the contribution of the Member for Siparia, the Speaker read into the record a letter from the President of the Senate indicating the appointment of Senators to the three oversight Joint Select Committees. The Leader of the House then moved three motions to appoint members of the House of Representatives to the same three oversight Committees.

Debate resumed on the Children Bill, 2008 with the Member for Arouca/Maloney and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Development, followed by the Member for Naparima and the Member for St. Ann’s East, who made his first contribution in the 9th Republican Parliament. Debate was then suspended.

At its next sitting, the House will deal with Private Business. Prior to adjournment, the Leader of the House, the Opposition Chief Whip and the Speaker extended Happy Divali greetings to the Hindu community and the nation at large. The House adjourned at 6:27 p.m.