House of Assembly.

Health Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness hailed it as a historic move in a battle Bermuda had to win.

"Government has passed a milestone,'' he declared afterwards.

But earlier Opposition MPs mounted fresh attacks on the National Drug Commission Act 1993. Deputy leader Mr. Walter Roberts mocked Mr. Edness as the king-elect of a new bureaucracy.

And leader Mr. Freddie Wade cast doubt on Government's resolve to approve PLP appointments to the board of the new Commission. "I put the House on notice we expect to have a reasonable share of appointments.'' The Bill -- which still has to go before the Senate -- passed its second and third readings yesterday. MPs had spent two full sessions discussing it.

The legislation will set up a non-political organisation -- the National Drugs Commission -- to tackle drugs and alcohol. It follows the recommendations of Government consultant Dr. David Archibald.

The Commission will deal with education, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement, control, information, research, and international co-operation.

The 16 members of the Commission -- including five ex-officio ones -- will be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Premier. The leader of the Opposition will be consulted.

Yesterday Mr. Roberts stressed the need for the Commission to co-ordinate the anti-drug battle. Full story on Pages 4 and 5.