The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill and the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, which were passed in the House of Representatives on February 4, 2009,were read a first time in the Senate. The Minister in the Ministry of Finance obtained leave to move the next stage of the Bills forthwith and later in the proceedings respectively.

Two Papers were laid by the Minister in the Ministry of Finance. See the Order Paper and Supplemental Order Paper for details.

Six Questions qualify for oral answer. One Question (Q. 4) was answered and the rest deferred. See the Order Paper for details.

The Minister in the Ministry of Finance moved the second reading of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill. In so doing the Minister sought and obtained leave to also debate the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2009. Senator Wade Mark was first to enter the debate. Following Senator Mark’s contribution, the Minister of Works and Transport was granted leave to make a Statement.

The Minister of Works and Transport made a statement in the House which sought to correct an inaccurate newspaper report about comments attributed to him during the committee stage of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2009.

Debate then resumed on the Bills with Sen. Subhas Ramkhelawan being first to contribute, followed by Sen. the Hon. Conrad Enill. In all, a total of 16 Senators made contributions before the Minister in the Ministry of Finance began his wind-up. The Bills were considered in Committee and passed with the requisite majority.

At its next sitting the Senate will consider the Emergency Ambulance Services and Emergency Medical Personnel Bill, 2008