The Speaker made a ruling in response to a matter of privilege raised by the Member for Diego Martin North/East at the previous sitting of the House of Representatives (February 6, 2009). The Speaker ruled that the matter did not constitute a breach of privilege.

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

The Minister of Information moved the Second Reading of the Data Protection Bill, 2009. The Member for Oropouche East was first to enter the debate, followed by the Minister of Public Administration, during whose contribution the Minister of Finance rose to make a statement.

The Minister of Finance made a statement outlining the Government’s treatment of the Hindu Credit Union.

Following the statement of the Minister of Finance, The Minister of Public Administration concluded his contribution. He was followed by the Member for Tabaquite and the conclusion of the Minister of Information. The Bill was referred to a Joint Select Committee.

The Member for Caroni East raised a matter on the Motion of the Adjournment of the House “To use the newly constructed building in Chancery Lane, San Fernando next to the San Fernando General Hospital as part of the San Fernando Hospital to ease the overcrowding at San Fernando Hospital.” The Minister of Health responded.

The Member for Tabaquite raised the matter of “the need for Government to state what action, if any, it intends to take to bring immediate relief to provide safety and security to the population against the continuing rise of serious crimes.” The Minister of National Security responded.

The Member for Princes Town North raised the matter of “the failure of the Government to introduce the relevant regulations and/or Order to establish the process and/or procedure for the appointment of a Commissioner of Police.”

The Member for Chaguanas West raised the matter of “The failure of the Government regulator to protect the depositors of the Hindu Credit Union and the Right to Equality of Treatment for Depositors of the Hindu Credit Union.” The Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development responded.

At its next sitting the House will consider the Electronic Transactions Bill, 2009, which is in the name of the Minister of Public Administration.