Assembly when MPs today debate the controversial franchise report.

It is also possible that rebel Government backbench MP Ann Cartwright DeCouto will put forward her Prohibited Restaurant Bill to ban franchises, although she was not commenting on the issue yesterday.

"We have to look at these things as they come,'' said Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto last night.

Fellow rebel MP Trevor Moniz was also staying tightlipped saying: "We will see how things go and the reaction of the Progressive Labour Party to the report.'' However he added: "The Premier has said a compromise will come out of this report, but how that will lead to a solution to this problem eludes me and, I think, the Bermuda public.'' The report from the Committee on Franchise Policy was tabled in the House two weeks ago by its chairman, Tourism Minister David Dodwell.

It recommended that foreign fast food franchises should be allowed in Bermuda -- but under strict controls.

They should not look like the franchise from the outside and the interior should not be visible to passers-by.

It also proposed setting up a Franchise Commission to oversee applications.

But most controversially it recommended no-go zones for franchises -- including the air port where Grape Bay Ltd, trading as McDonald's, has been recommended for the food and beverage concession.

Today's debate is a "take note'' motion only -- meaning no vote will be taken on the report.

In other business Government will press ahead with the third reading of the Domestic Violence Act which will give women and children more protection from abuse.

There will be a second reading of the Miscellaneous Taxes (Profession Registration Tax Repeal) Act and consideration of the Bermuda Air Terminal (Fees) Amendment Regulations 1996, which seeks to increase money paid for passengers by airlines to Government.