The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Cumuto/Manzanilla (February 4-14, 2009) and the member for Chaguanas West (today’s sitting).

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

The Minister of Finance made a personal explanation in response to comments made by the Member for Siparia and the Member for Oropouche East during debate on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2009.

The Minister of Finance continued her wind up of debate on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2009 and the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2009 (from February 2, 2009). Both Bills require a special (three-fifths) majority for passage. Both Bills were passed with amendments by a division of 26 for and 13 against.

The House will meet to consider any amendments made to the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill and the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2009 in the Senate on Thursday February 5, 2009.The House adjourned at 4:19 p.m.