Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The Opposition Progressive Labour Party, which in 1989 put forward another name for Speaker in place of the Hon. David Wilkinson, has yet to say whether it will support Dr. Dyer.

"We're keeping our cards close to our chest,'' Opposition Leader Mr.

Frederick Wade said yesterday. "We're not sure what the Government is going to do.

"There are a lot of rumours out there. There seems to be some changing of minds.'' However, Government sources said there was no change in the plan to nominate 48-year-old Dr. Dyer, the Whip who was chosen over Deputy Speaker Mr. Ernest DeCouto to preside over the House.

At a caucus meeting yesterday, rookie Paget West MP Mr. Tim Smith was acclaimed to succeed Mr. DeCouto as Deputy Speaker.

While unanimous United Bermuda Party support was expected for Dr. Dyer's nomination, the Opposition could make the vote a close one if it chooses to oppose the nomination or again put forward its own name.

The UBP majority is 22-18. Dr. Dyer's nomination as Speaker would reduce that edge to 21-18. And Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira is expected to be off the Island today, giving the UBP a slim 20-18 majority.

In 1989, Mr. Wade nominated then UBP backbencher Mr. William Cox as House Speaker and Mr. Cox accepted. But Mr. Wilkinson was chosen in a 20-17 vote, with two UBP members absent and Mr. Cox abstaining.

Mr. Wade would not comment on a report the PLP planned to nominate Mr. DeCouto as Speaker. "It was a bit unusual to bypass the Deputy (Speaker) like that,'' Mr. Wade said. However, "it's their call.'' St. George's South MP Mrs. Grace Bell said a couple of MPs approached her about nominating her as Deputy Speaker, but she was not interested. She wanted to devote more time to her constituency, she said.

The Senate and the House of Assembly convene in their respective chambers at 10 a.m. today to elect their presiding officers.

Governor Lord Waddington is to arrive at the Cabinet Building at 10.50 a.m., then send the Black Rod to the House of Assembly to summon MPs to the Senate to hear the Speech from the Throne.

The Speaker and MPs later return to the House to conduct their business.

The convening of the House is expected to create some traffic problems.

At about 10.35 a.m., the Bermuda Regiment Band will march from the Fire Station along King, Reid, and Court streets to the east gate of the Cabinet Building grounds.

A few minutes later, weather permitting, the Governor will travel by landau to the Cabinet Building, travelling along Langton Hill, St. John's Road, Woodlands Road, Par La Ville Road, and Front Street.

At about 11.30 a.m., Lord Waddington is to return to Government House via Court Street, Front Street, Queen Street, Church Street, Cedar Avenue, and Langton Hill.