The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Minister of Finance and Member for D’Abadie/O’Meara (29 October-5 November), and Laventille East/Morvant, Tabaquite and Couva South (today’s sitting).

The Leader of the House laid two Papers in the name of the Minister of Finance. They were referred to the Public Accounts Committee. See the Order Paper for details.

40 Questions qualify for oral answer. Six Questions were answered (135, 148, 198, 210, 213 and 231) and the rest deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

Five Questions qualify for written answer. See the Order Paper for details.

The Member for Caroni East raised the matter of the Government’s Treatment of Sick Children, especially those requiring surgery not available locally. The Speaker ruled that the matter did not qualify under this Standing Order.

The House resumed debate (from Friday June 6, 2008) on a Private Motion in the name of the Member for Cumuto/Manzanilla which asks the House to condemn the Government for its failure to contain food prices. The Member for Tobago East completed his contribution from June 6th, followed by the Member for Oropouche West, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources and the Member for Oropouche East, during whose contribution debate was suspended.

The Member for Princes Town North raised the matter condemning the Minister of National Security for his failure to introduce Orders and Regulations to implement the Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2006 for the appointment of a Commissioner of Police. The Minister of National Security responded.

The Leader of the House indicated that at its next sitting the House will deal with matters as listed on the Order Paper. The Speaker also advised the House of the upcoming sitting of the 7th National Youth Parliament on Monday November 3, 2008 at 1:30 p.m., and of the departure of the Marshal of the Parliament, Mr. Brian Caesar, who served in that capacity for three years. The sitting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.