The Opposition will not be allowed to bring a motion to the House of Assembly criticising the Government on the withholding of Bermuda Housing Corporation financial statements.

Speaker of the House Stanley Lowe refused the motion, which was brought forth by Shadow Housing Minister Wayne Furbert, citing that the debate would be prejudicial to the ongoing investigation into the quango.

Mr. Lowe referred to Auditor General Larry Dennis' recommendation in his annual report that the "public release or debate of my findings could compromise or prejudice the ongoing Police enquiry or any criminal proceedings that might result therefrom".

While the Opposition protested, Government MPs stamped their feet and Mr. Lowe said although he sympathised with the motion he would put Mr. Furbert out of the Chamber if he continued.

Mr. Furbert told The Royal Gazette he was "very disappointed" that the motion was quashed.

He said the debate would focus on the lack of financial statements from the Government and not on those possibly involved in the scandal.

The BHC has been at the centre of an investigation concerning allegations of rampant fraud, overcharging and double billing at the company.

Mr. Furbert said: "The Government is required by the law to provide this information.

"It may be four of five years before this investigation is complete and we will have no records on what the Corporation has been doing all this time," he added.

Mr. Furbert pointed out that in Mr. Dennis' report he issued a denial of opinion on BHC, which he added was a very "serious" charge.

The denial of opinion was issued because of "serious deficiencies in controls over the valuation of properties and the purchasing of products and services" by BHC.

"We need to come straight with the public so they know why this hasn't been laid before the house," Mr. Furbert said.