spring cleaning discussion of the House of Assembly, built in 1817 as part of the Sessions House.

There were calls by MPs to re-do the House library, install an elevator, purchase personal computers, repair the exterior, put in more parking bays -- even create separate rooms for smoking and Press interviews! PLP MPs also had queries over the cost of uniforms worn by House staff.

Answering an Opposition question, Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul revealed the cost of "a first class wig'', made of horse hair, could run as high as $3,000.

Dr. Saul pointed out that at least one of MPs' wishes would come true -- the House library was currently being updated and moved to a larger room.

And the purchase of personal computers "was not too far off'', he said.

Dr. Saul also revealed during the non-ministries debate that the legal aid office would be moved back to Magistrates Court this year.

And money was in the Budget for salaries for four Crown counsels to replace Police as prosecutors in the lower court.

* * * GOVERNOR AND STAFF Mr. Stanley Morton (PLP), Special Assistant for Non Ministries, said he had no problem with the Government House budget, which has 14 people on the staff payroll, including five Bermudians. Their combined wages and salaries estimate was $600,000 for 1994/95, slightly up over the previous financial year. While other personnel costs was put at a total $81,000. Mr. Morton was concerned about the selection process for recipients of the annual Queen's Birthday and New Year's awards.

There needed to be closer scrutiny of possible recipients, he said.

"There are those who do not receive these awards but who have done much work in the community, rather than those who serve in a lucrative way. A number of Bermudians are worthy of this type of recognition''.

In reply, Finance Minister Dr. Saul said recommendations for awards were made to Her Majesty's Government and they made the decision as to who would receive one. And people were recommended for their service to Bermuda, more than to "the Empire'', he added.

Dr. Saul explained that insurance costs had doubled to $4,000 due to car premium increases.

But electricity and fuel costs had remained the same at $23,000.

* * * LEGISLATURE Dr. Saul said the Island was well-served by its small legislative staff, based at the House of Assembly.

He commended the six civil servants, whose salaries, wages and overtime were estimated at $1,887,000 (a five-percent increase), for their "meritorious service''.

The printing, stationary and advertising budget had gone done because updating of laws was "over and done''. There was an increase in the operational materials and supply category (from $15,000 to $18,000), due to new purchases to modernise the House.

Among those purchases would be broadcast equipment, to tape the Budget and Throne Speech announcements and debates, and security alarms, he said.

Commenting on the 300 percent hike in the clothing and uniforms category, Dr.

Saul said the $2,000 was spent on new robes and a wig for the new Speaker of the House.

Mr. Morton was concerned not enough money was set aside for updating the House and its facilities.

He harped on state of the House library and the fact there has been no librarian to run it. "We have a lavish assembly but not a proper library,'' he said.

He wondered when MPs were going to have access to computer terminals, in the House, which would enable them to have finger-tip access to legislation. It was hard for MPs to do justice to the country without easy access to such vital information.

"Update this Assembly now and bring it into the 19th or 20th Century,'' he urged.

Mr. Morton wanted to know why there was no amount set aside for overtime for House staff, such as the clerks who often sit past midnight during debates.

"Are they charity workers?,'' he asked.

Expressing concern over the clothing allowance, Mr. Morton demanded to know what the cost of a new uniform was.

He added he was disappointed no provision had been made for a House elevator which would provide disabled people with access.

Deputy Opposition leader Mr. Walter Roberts said he found staff of the Legislature to be "extremely knowledgeable and helpful about events' of the House''.

But, he agreed, the House library was a "madhouse''.

But he acknowledged plans were afoot to move the library to the Committee Room and update it, and to create a bigger UBP meeting room in the old library. He hoped the move would be speedy. And that money already allotted for computerisation of the House, would be put to use soon.

Continued in Monday's newspaper.

Non-Ministry Departments Budget estimate: $14,692,000 (last year $12,803,000) Governor and Staff $854,000 Legislature $2,170,000 Judicial Department $3,537,000 Attorney General's Chambers $1,820,000 Office of the Auditor $1,093,000 Public Service Commission $50,000 Cabinet Office $2,009,000 Personnel Services $3,159,000 Revenue $3,821,000