Parliament passes two bills

The joint sitting of the parliament today adopted the Public Finance (Amendment) Bill and the Sales Tax, Customs and Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill today.

The Public Finance (Amendment) Bill of 2011 was introduced during the 6^th session of the National Assembly.

It was introduced in the National Council in the 7^th session.

The two houses could not come to an agreement on 24 different clauses.

The joint sitting of the parliament today deliberated on the amended clauses.

The discussion focused on whether there is a need for a section defining clearly what constitutes money and financial bills.

Some of the members said the speaker of the National Assembly could be given discretionary powers to distinguish the bills.

After much deliberation the house endorsed the Public Finance (Amendment) Bill 2011.

The house also endorsed the Sales Tax, Customs and Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill.