House of Representatives

Sittings

44th Sitting of the House of Representatives

2nd Session - 9th Republican Parliament

Friday 4 December, 2009
1:30 PM
Announcements By The Speaker/Deputy Speaker
Leave of Absence

The Speaker granted Leave of Absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Siparia, the Member for Couva South, the Member for Princes Town North and the Member for Cumuto/Manzanilla.

Papers
Four Papers

The Leader of the House laid four papers on behalf of the Minister of Finance. All four papers were then referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee.

Questions To Ministers: Oral Answer
11 Questions

11 Questions qualify for oral answer. Four Questions were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

Statements By Ministers
Separation of Water and Wastewater Service Provision

The Minister of Public Utilities made a statement about the context and rationale for the separation of the water and waste water services of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Following his statement, which lasted some 44 minutes, the Speaker ruled that Statements by Ministers should not exceed 20 minutes.

Introduction Of Bills
The Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2009

The Prisons (Amendment) Bill was introduced. The Bill is in the name of the Minister of National Security.

Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Tobacco Control Bill, 2009

The Minister of Health moved the second reading of the Tobacco Control Bill, 2009, which was passed in the House of Representatives on 18 November 2009. The Member for Caroni East was first to enter the debate. During his contribution, debate was suspended to allow a statement to be made.

Statements By Ministers
Provision of Financial Assistance for Study

The Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs made a statement to clarify issues surrounding her Ministry’s provision of financial assistance for education purposes.

Government Business: Bills Second Reading
The Tobacco Control Bill, 2009

The Member for Caroni East resumed his contribution followed by the Minister of Social Development. Eight members entered the debate before the Minister rose to conclude. The Bill was considered in Committee and passed without amendment. At the third reading the bill was passed by a majority of 26 for and four absentions. It therefore received the requisite majority.

Adjournment
The House adjourns to Wednesday December 9, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

At this sitting the House is expected to resume debate on a Private Motion by the Member for Couva North which asks the Government to take immediate steps to bail out the Hindu Credit Union.