to open the door of opportunity to Bermuda's young.

Mr. Wade said the ruling party offered no clues as to how it would improve education.

He also blasted Government for not tackling health care in the Throne Speech.

And he took several swipes at another perceived weak spot -- the UBP's stance on race.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan's pledge to break the "glass ceiling'' for blacks was absurd, he claimed -- Bermudians were dealing with a steel or concrete ceiling.

In addition, Mr. Wade turned the spotlight on Bermuda's tax system.

He said his party may put forward a motion demanding a debate on a review of it.

Earlier Sir John had reaffirmed Government's commitment to five more years in office.

He mocked Mr. Wade's statement that he expected an election within 18 months.

And he suggested Mr. Wade might be booted out by the Progressive Labour Party as an election loser.

"The Honourable Member, having lost two elections, if I was his party I would be assessing who the next guy is going to be.'' The clashes came yesterday as Parliament sat for the first full session following the October 5 election.

Mr. Wade gave his reply to the Throne Speech delivered last week by Sir John.

The debate is scheduled to continue next week.

The session also saw the maiden speech of the Hon. Jerome Dill, Minister of Human Affairs and Information.

Mr. Dill was warmly applauded after his marathon speech which focused on drugs and institutionalised racism -- areas under his new Ministry.

He called for a community-wide attack on the two problems.

Mr. Dill said Government would consider expanding the St. David's anti-drugs pilot scheme to the rest of the Island -- if successful.

And he revealed a New York outreach programme for problem young people would be introduced to Bermuda.

The scheme offered sex and health care counselling, as well as other social services.

It also provided programes to combat alcohol and drug problems.

Mr. Dill said Government accepted institutionalised racism, and was determined to stamp it out.

The race relations division within his Ministry would offer advice and guidance to institutions afflicted by the problem.

But a sledgehammer approach would only be a "last resort,'' he said.

Mr. Dill was interrupted and taunted repeatedly by the Opposition, particular rookie MP Dr. Ewart Brown.

Dr. Brown cast doubt on the Government's resolve to combat racism.

It signalled, perhaps, the tone of future Parliamentary sessions.

Much of the attention, however, was on Mr. Wade's Throne Speech speech reply.

Mr. Wade attempted to pick holes in the perceived vulnerable point of Government.

He agreed with Sir John's Throne Speech statement that education had to improve -- if young people were to seize opportunities of the future.

"But, in order for us to understand the purpose and content of the educational process, we must know how and why the school system functions as it does.

"This means the education of the young people of our country must be the result of cooperative effort of us all.'' "Mr. Speaker, the lack of details from Government concerning its educational reform plans is abysmal.'' Mr. Wade was equally scathing on health.

"The lack of health care by Government is not addressed in the Throne Speech or its Blueprint.

"Children have been reported as having to wait up to a year for dental services, and certain other services.

"Government's new agenda leaves behind the family, the one institution that needs the most attention in Bermuda.'' Mr. Wade said Government was also soft-pedalling on its commitment to Bermuda's young.

"A PLP Government would introduce a full-fledged National Youth Corps.

Government have now adopted our programme, but seem to be taking a piecemeal approach in that they only plan certain limited activities.''