The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Oropouche West (today), Tabaquite (20 Nov-1 Dec), Couva South (today) and Chaguanas West (17 Nov-23 Nov).

The Tobacco Control Bill, 2009, which was passed in the Senate on Tuesday November 17, 2009, was read a first time in the House of Representatives. The Bill is in the name of the Minister of Health.

Three Papers were laid. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper.

Two Reports were presented. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Debate continued (from November 13, 2009) on the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Four members made contributions (nine over the course of two days of debate) before the Attorney General rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed with amendments. At third reading, the bill received the requisite special majority of 26 for, none against, 9 abstentions.

The Member for Caroni East raised as a Matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House, “The failure of the Government to implement measures to clean up, regulate and reduce man-made carbon and greenhouse emissions responsible for Global Warming and Climate Change.” The Minister of Planning, Housing and the Environment responded.

The Member for St. Augustine then raised a second matter, “The continued reckless spending of the Government by purchase and erection of a flag at the Hasely Crawford National Sports Stadium at a cost to taxpayers of $2 million.” The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs responded.

The Leader of the House indicated that at the next sitting, the House will consider the Tobacco Control Bill, 2009 and the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2009