MPs will spend the day discussing a "take note'' motion on the report of the Task Force on Child Abuse.

The motion was presented to the House by Health Minister Clarence Terceira.

And it could be the occasion for Bermuda's two new United Bermuda Party MPs, Kim Young and Michael Dunkley, to make their maiden speeches.

"It will be a chance for the new Parliamentarians to take the plunge and jump into the fray. I think Kim Young will speak on it,'' said Government Whip Rick Spurling.

Last night Paget East MP Ms Young said: "It's a subject I'm interested in and so I may speak for a couple of minutes, if I get a chance.'' Devonshire South MP Mr. Dunkley said he had not yet made up his mind.

"I've read the report twice, but I will have to do some more work on it tonight. It's a pretty thorough report.'' Mr. Dunkley said he had a "lot of catching up to do'' as a political newcomer.

"Once I get up to speed I will contribute actively in Parliamentary debates.'' Mr. Dunkley added he intended speaking in the "congratulations and condolences'' segment near the outset of today's sitting.

Mr. Spurling reckoned the debate could last until 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

"I would hope the debate doesn't stray too much. Myself, I will possibly speak, depending on how the debate goes.

"The subject is quite topical and is a very good issue for debate. There is a lot of meat in it.'' Several other "take note'' motions and the second readings of The Motor Care Amendment (No. 2) Act 1997 and The National Training Board Act 1997 are also on today's agenda.

But none would be discussed because they had not been on the order paper for the required two sittings, said Mr. Spurling.

"Technically we shouldn't be doing anything until next week but by agreement it was decided the child abuse report should be discussed tomorrow.'' The 57-page child abuse report, which paints a bleak picture, was revealed to the public last August.

It stated child abuse was a serious problem in Bermuda, much of it in the home environment.

The report is scathing about the ability of Government and community-based services to combat the problem.

"At present there is no formalised commitment to or mandate to ensure prevention and treatment services. This had been left up to the goodwill of helping professionals.'' Poor staffing and insensitivity among child care professionals, including the Police, are also spotlighted. And the Island's medical and hospital services come under pressure to boost assessment of child sexual abuse victims.

The 52 recommendations include sweeping away the The Protection of Children Act 1943, and replacing it with The Children Act 1989 of the United Kingdom and banning corporal punishment from all schools and from centres providing care for youngsters.

MAN BURNED AC Man burned A Bermuda Electric Light Company worker was injured in the line of duty yesterday.

Belco crew, around 1 p.m., were repairing a faulty switch which caused a power outage in the Somerset area when the accident occurred Spokesman Greg Engel said a linesman, who was working on a high voltage line near the MarketPlace in Somerset, received minor burns when the wires touched and caused an electric spark.

The 23-year-old man was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he was treated for first and second degree burns.