The Speaker granted leave of absence from today’s sitting to the Member for Point Fortin.

The Speaker made an announcement on the correct interpretation of Standing Order 12 (Requests for Leave to move the adjournment of the House on definite matters of urgent public importance) partly in response to an article in a daily newspaper that brought the office of Speaker into disrepute.

One Paper was laid. See the Order Paper.

The Prime Minister made a brief statement in response to an article on the front page of a daily newspaper on the use of water to wet the grounds of the official residence of the Prime Minister and Diplomatic Center.

One Bill, the Finance Bill, 2010, was introduced in the name of the Minister of Finance.

The Leader of the House moved a Motion to appoint Dr. Tim Gopeesingh to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, replacing Mr. Kelvin Ramnath. A division was taken the result of which was 20 for, seven against. The Motion was approved.

The Minister of Finance moved the Second Reading of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Bill, 2010. The Member for Oropouche East was first to debate the Bill, followed by the Minister of Labour, Small and Micro-enterprise Development and the Member for Cumuto/Manzanilla. Seven members made contributions before debate on the Bill was suspended.

At its next sitting debate is expected to continue on the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority Bill, 2010. The sitting ended at 8:57 p.m.