Defending the earlier statements of Mr. Alex Scott , who said he felt more consideration should be given to the home-grown family, Mr. Stanley Morton (PLP) said his colleague was merely reflecting the views on immigration of a large number of Bermudians.

"His intention was not to condemn (Mr. Pearman) but to point out the sensitivities that are out there in the community. I'm sure (Mr. Scott) can give many examples of Bermudians that were turned down or rejected for a job and a foreigner comes in and gets the job.

"(Often) it was perceived by these people, right or wrong, that the Government protected the employers, who in some instances issued applications that were tailored to people they already had in their minds to choose.

"My colleague was speaking very sincerely of the concerns of the local people. I think people who apply for jobs and are not successful must have answers. You are in a state of flux when you don't know. For some, it's easier to go and sit on the wall. It's easier to give up.'' Mr. David Dodwell (UBP) acknowledged the need for greater communication and offered some concrete suggestions.

"I would suggest placing some sort of ombudsman to answer questions and help the public better understand the information contained'' in this and other bills, he said.

Mrs. Lois Browne-Evans (PLP) didn't believe the bill, which she felt was confusing and ineffective, warranted explanation.

"It is time that the Government completely overhaul the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act that was enacted in 1956 and has been amended so many times,'' she said.

"If we don't have a reprinting sometime soon, nobody will know what the law is. I think it's a shame. What I thought we should do this time is throw the Act out and start all over.

"(But) the UBP doesn't want to go the whole road. They're still discussing status, and putting out this piecemeal legislation that isn't worth the paper it's printed on outside...of Bermuda.'' Citing the "new breed'' of Portuguese Bermudians, whom she praised for the vigorous but non-violent way in which they have recently protested immigration laws, Mrs. Browne-Evans chastised the Government for giving "the lash'' to a significant segment of the population.

"I find it regrettable that we would come back to this House with an amendment that does not address the situation of these young people who are agitating and have a connection to this country and are the kind of people we need in this country.'' But Mr. Pearman said that the current changes in Bermuda's immigration policies, some of which "may affect one group negatively and another group positively,'' are an evolutionary process.

"We (are trying) to progress in an orderly manner,'' he said. "And we will continue to look at the issues that pertain to our immigration policies as they affect the people in our society.''