Rival MPs clashed yesterday in the House of Assembly over Opposition claims that Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy was overstepping his powers.

Former deputy leader of the Progressive Labour Party, Derrick Burgess, accused Sen Fahy of not following the Labour Relations Act when dealing with industrial disputes, although he did not specify to which incident he was referring.

But OBA Junior Minister for Home Affairs, Sylvan Richards, quickly defended the Minister saying he did follow the legislation.

The row came during the budget debate as Mr Burgess responded to Mr Richards’ Home Affairs budget presentation.

“There is a Labour Relations Act, the Minister does not follow that Act,” said Mr Burgess. “Before you as Minister can appoint a panel you must consult with the employers and the employees. That has not be done.

“That is in the Act; it says ‘shall’.”

Mr Richards swiftly interjected accusing the PLP MP of misleading the House and using “generalities”.

But Mr Burgess responded saying: “I am not misleading the house.

“They don’t like it when you speak the truth.

“You must bring the two sides together. If you send a case to arbitration you must get terms of reference and work them out between the parties. The judge does not do that.”

Mr Richards then entered the fray again insisting that Senator Fahy was aware of the legislation and followed it.

The dispute grew increasing tense until the time allotted for the debate elapsed.