lift installed, Independent MP Mr. Harry Viera conceded yesterday. But Mr.

Viera, who represents Southampton West, said he will continue his protest at least until Friday, when the House is scheduled to adjourn for the summer.

Mr. Viera has stayed away from Parliament since early May, after Government MP the Hon. John Stubbs had to be carried up the stairs in his wheelchair after a cancer operation.

"I think an MP should be able to get to his seat without having to go through hell to get there,'' Mr. Viera told The Royal Gazette .

"I've tried everything. If they don't build it, let it be on their conscience if he falls down those stairs.'' Dr. Stubbs has continued to attend the House, first using a walker and later without assistance.

Mr. Ernest DeCouto, chairman of the House grounds committee, said a report on a wheelchair lift is being prepared. Funds would have to be found before work could begin, said Mr. DeCouto, adding that a cost estimate was still being developed.

Asked if Mr. Viera's boycott was accelerating the project, Mr. DeCouto said: "I didn't know there was a boycott. I just thought that he might be on one of his trips.'' Mr. Viera said he did not expect Dr. Stubbs to keep attending the House and that hurt his strategy.

"I was hoping he'd stay home, too,'' he said. Then Government would be without two votes and feel pressed to get the lift installed, he said. Mr.

Viera sits as an Independent but usually votes with the United Bermuda Party.

Mr. Viera said he was not criticising Dr. Stubbs for his continued attendance.

"In a way he cancelled me out because he kept trying to attend,'' he said.

"I didn't know he would make such Herculean efforts,'' but "it's in his nature to do what he was doing.'' Mr. Michael Scott, a Progressive Labour Party candidate in Southampton West, said he heard no complaints about Mr. Viera's absence from the House while canvassing the constituency.

However, "the absence of Mr. Viera from the House of Assembly on a regular basis must give some of his constituents cause to comment that he's not there doing what he was elected to do,'' Mr. Scott said.

"My usefulness in politics isn't by sitting there in a goddamn chair listening to people make speeches,'' Mr. Viera said. "I use the office for applying pressure.''