But who can really blame the Speaker of the House of Assembly for letting things go to his head? Yesterday the Hon. Ernest DeCouto drew many admiring glances -- and comments -- from fellow MPs when he sported a new Speaker's wig.

"You've had your hair permed, haven't you,'' wise-cracked Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira in a private exchange.

Picking up the tone, Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness jokingly queried: "Isn't it somewhat over the top?''.

And another chipped in: "Absolutely top notch.'' Mr. DeCouto gave his new look its inaugural showing at the House of Assembly yesterday.

He later explained why his fashion sense had moved into top gear.

"The old wig had become rather tattered and shabby,'' he said.

Mr. DeCouto, who became Speaker last year, added the tatty wig had also begun to wiggle about on his head as he walked.

Nevertheless he still had some affection for it.

The wig had allowed many previous Speakers to cover themselves with hairs and graces, going all the way back to Sir John Cox who kept MPs in order from 1948 to 1968.

Other notables included Sir Jeffrey Astwood, Sir Dudley Spurling, F. John Barritt, and David Wilkinson.

"I'm not sure exactly when Sir John Cox first wore the wig, but it was a good many years ago,'' said Mr. DeCouto.

He added: "I expect the wig will now be kept as one of the relics of the House.'' Mr. DeCouto told how he had his head measured for the new horsehair wig, which came from England and cost about $3,000.

"It fits just perfectly, unlike the other one.'' Some MPs and members of the public believe wearing wigs old hat these days.

But Mr. DeCouto is not one.

"I think it is a very important tradition,'' he said.

THE TOPS! The Speaker of the House of Assembly the Hon. Ernest DeCouto shows off his new wig. His old one had begun to wiggle, he says.