The Speaker granted leave of absence to the Member for San Fernando West (March 7-20), Tobago West (March 5-17) and Naparima (today).

The Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which was passed in the Senate on March 2, 2010, was read a first time in the House of Representatives. The Bill is in the name of the Attorney General.

Two Papers were laid. See the Supplemental Order Paper.

The Leader of the Opposition raised as a definite matter the need for the government to remove Mr. Calder Hart from the various boards on which he is a member. The Speaker was satisfied that the matter could be properly raised. The House, however, did not give leave, and an insufficient number of members rose to support the request (Standing Order 12). The matter was therefore not considered.

The Minister of Legal Affairs made a statement on the availability of the Land Registry Online.

The Leader of the Opposition raised a matter of privilege concerning comments by the Prime Minister during a Statement made in the House on Friday February 26, 2010. The Speaker ruled that the matter did qualify to be referred to the Committee of Privileges.

The Minister of Finance moved a Motion which asks the House to take note of the economic situation in the country and the Government’s effort in that regard. The Member for St. Augustine was first to enter the debate followed by the Minister of Information and the Member for Caroni East. Debate on the Motion was then suspended.

The Member for Cumuto/Manzanilla raised as a matter on the adjournment, “the failure of the Ministry of Works and Transport to repair, rehabilitate and repave the following roads in the constituency of Cumuto/Manzanilla:

The Minister of Works and Transport responded.

At its next sitting debate is expected to begin on the Finance Bill, 2010. The sitting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.