The Speaker read communication from the Vice-President of the Senate announcing Senate appointments to Departmental Joint Select Committees.

The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for Caroni Eas (Oct 15-20)t, the Member for Lopinot/ Bon Air West (Oct 15-20), the Member for La Horquetta/ Talparo (today’s sitting), the Member for La Brea (today’s sitting) and the Member for San Fernando East (90 days from October 25, 2012).

19 Papers were laid. See the Order Paper.

The Minister of Finance and the Economy moved a Motion to approve the Provisional Collection of Taxes Order. The Member for Diego Martin North/East was first to enter the debate followed by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Local Government and the Member for Port-of-Spain North/St. Ann’s West. Eight Members made contributions before the Minister rose to conclude. The Motion was then approved.

During debate on the Motion, the Prime Minister made a statement about Trinidad and Tobago’s status in meeting its compliance requirements under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The Member for Diego Martin North/ East raised two matters on the Motion for the adjournment of the House. The Minister of Sport responded to the first, and the Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs responded to the second.

At the next sitting, Private Business will take precedence.