The Speaker granted Leave of Absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Naparima and the Member for Couva South.

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

The Minister of Social Development presented the Report of the Special Select Committee of the House on the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (Incorporation) Bill, 2009 and the Leader of the House presented the Fifth Report of the Special Select Committee of the House on the Children Bill, 2009.

Seven Questions qualify for oral response. Two were answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper.

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

The Leader of the House moved a Motion that Ms. Pennelope Beckles chair the Committee of Privileges, and that Mr. Kennedy Swaratsingh be temporarily appointed to the Committee of Privileges for consideration of the matter involving CCN TV6. Leave was granted.

The Minister of Finance moved the second reading of the Property Tax Bill, 2009. The Minister sought and obtained leave to debate concurrently the Valuation of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2009. The Member for St. Augustine was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Education.

At its next sitting the House will continue debate on the Property Tax Bill, 2009. The sitting adjourned at 1:53 a.m. on Saturday December 19, 2009.