The Speaker granted leave of absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Chaguanas West, St. Ann’s East and Couva South.

Seven Papers were laid, all of which were in the name of the Minister of Finance. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Ten Questions qualify for oral answer. Two Questions were answered and the rest deferred for two weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

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

The Member for Oropouche West raised the matter of the continued refusal of the Ministry of Education to have classes at the Bienvenue Presbyterian School return to normalcy due to issues with the repair of the electrical system. The Speaker ruled that the motion did not qualify under this Standing Order.

One Bill, the Financial Institutions Bill, 2008, was introduced. The Bill is in the name of the Minister of Finance.

The Minister of Finance moved a Motion which asked the House to confirm the Excise Duty (Compressed Natural Gas) Order, 2008. Eight Members made contributions before the Minister concluded the debate. The Motion was then approved.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs then moved the Second Reading of the Geneva Conventions Bill, 2008, which was passed in the Senate on July 29, 2008. Four members entered the debate before the Minister began her wind-up. The Bill was later passed without amendments.

At this sitting the House is expected to consider the Financial Institutions Bill, 2008, which was introduced earlier in this sitting. The House adjourned at 10:42 p.m.