measures aimed at law-breakers.

A law and order theme dominated the Throne Speech read by Governor Lord Waddington yesterday setting out Government's plans for the next year.

Dealers peddling drugs near schools will face stiffer sentences, Police manpower will be boosted and new high-technology equipment will be brought in to help the Service.

Legislation will be introduced to confiscate drug dealers' assets and drunk drivers will face a mandatory roads ban -- as well as counselling.

Drivers could also face roadside breath tests as well as a whole series of schemes to halt bad behaviour on the roads.

Domestic violence will be made a criminal offence and women will be given greater protection with a Stalking bill.

Tougher sentences may also be introduced for those convicted of offences against women, children and visitors.

"Government fully appreciates that our economic survival demands no less than a total commitment to shutting down places where drugs are sold and stamping out crime and the use of illicit drugs in Bermuda,'' said the Governor.

The Throne Speech concentrated mainly on crime and the roads, the family and women, education and training. It also includes sections on health, tourism, business and planning.

In addition, it promises that a report reviewing the policy on franchises will be considered and that the need for an Ombudsman -- an independent arbitrator -- will be looked into.

Last night Premier David Saul said feedback had been positive, adding that the Throne Speech touched on issues which concerned the public.

"Judging by town meetings, me knocking on doors and the polls, people want to deal with drugs, crime, education and the economy. That is our vision for the turn of the century,'' he said, touching on another recurring theme of the Speech -- the new millenium.

Speech focuses on law and order On Police and drugs, the Throne Speech said more officers will be put on the beat, the narcotics section will be strengthened and new high-tech equipment, possibly including hand-held breathalyser kits, will be introduced.

Government will increase penalties for people possessing or selling drugs in or near schools, youth and community centres in order to help enforce drug free zones.

A Proceeds of Crime Bill will be introduced allowing Police to seize assets from people convicted of drug offences and money laundering.

Along with the National Drug Commission Government, will also establish a centre for the NDC to help recovering addicts get drug-free. There will also be campaigns to educate people on the dangers of drugs.

"Government is determined to promote initiatives that will equip every Bermudian to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and the eradication of drugs and crime will be critical to achieving that goal,'' said the Governor.

There will also be a shake-up of staff deployment at Westgate prison and a better mix of prison, rehabilitation and training set up to reduce repeat offending levels.

On roads, legislation against drink driving will be strengthened -- giving mandatory driving bans -- as well as mandatory counselling for convicted drink drivers.

A Green Paper will also be introduced, setting out ways to improve traffic conditions and improve behaviour on the roads.

On the family and women, Lord Waddington said: "Violence in the home is of great concern to Government. A functioning family unit is of critical importance to the stability of this Island and violence against women and children, either physical or mental, is abhorrent and must be stopped.'' Government will introduce legislation making domestic violence a criminal offence, the Stalking bill and the Task Force report on Child Abuse will be debated.

Increased penalties for people convicted of crimes against women, children and visitors will be examined and a code of conduct aimed at eliminating discrimination against women at work will be tabled.

Talks will also be held with businesses to discuss more flexible working hours for parents of school children.

On education and training, the main plank rests on dealing with disruptive children and training teachers to spot students with behavioural problems.

Government has also committed itself to bringing computers and the Internet into every school.

Business training commitments linking work permits to training could also be broadened and a Bill introduced to set up a National Training Board.

Tourism merits only three paragraphs with the results of the cruise ship review to be discussed in the House.

In Youth and Sports, Government wants to open a West End community centre and it says the planning system will be streamlined to become more user-friendly.

Last night Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith was not available for comment. She will give her reply to the Throne Speech next Friday.