- the same length of time as Finance Minister Winston Dookeran had to deliver his budget speech. Opposition MPs, save for San Fernando East MP Patrick Manning, are expected to speak. Debate on the 2012 package is expected to run late into tonight. Proceedings will continue next Monday from 10 am and also next Tuesday morning.
The Government hopes to conclude debate on the budget in the House of Representatives by next Tuesday, since Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is expected to leave for Australia next week, a spokesman said yesterday. Persad-Bissessar will be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference in Australia over October 28 to 30 as outgoing chairman of the Commonwealth. After conclusion in the Lower House, debate on the 2012 budget is tentatively expected to begin in the Upper House by mid-next week, Government officials indicated yesterday. (GA)