The Speaker granted Leave of Absence to the Member for Siparia from today’s sitting.

One Paper was laid by the Leader of the House on behalf of the Minister of Health. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

Three Questions qualify for oral answer. All three were deferred for three weeks. See the Order Paper for details.

12 Questions qualify for written response. See the Order Paper for details.

Two Bills, The Property Tax Bill, 2009 and the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009 were introduced. Both Bills are in the name of the Minister of Finance.

The Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security moved a Motion in the name of the Minister of National Security to affirm the Prison (Amendment) Rules, 2009. The Member for Oropouche East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport. A total of seven members made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude the debate. The Motion was approved subject to amendments.

The Member for Princes Town North raised the matter of “the number of deaths which have occurred at the San Fernando General Hospital as a result of Swine Flu.”

At the next sitting the House will consider the Property Tax Bill, 2009 and the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009.