The joint select committee reviewing the Credit Reporting Bill had to hold an informal meeting in Gordon House yesterday because a quorum of four members was not reached.

Dr Omar Davies, Phillip Paulwell and chairman Audley Shaw turned up, along with technical personnel from the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Bank of Jamaica, the Financial Services Commission and the Attorney General's offices. Twelve members were appointed to the committee.

Senators Mark Golding, Don Wehby and Trevor MacMillan tendered apologies while Clive Mullings said he was unable to attend.

The five other committee members who were absent are Senators Basil Waite and Tom Tavares-Finson, Karl Samuda, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and Peter Bunting.

Since the announcement of a by-election in West Portland, parliamentary activities have scaled down significantly, with fewer committee members attending meetings.