Yesterday Government's Independence stance came under heavy fire in the House of Assembly from Mr. Trevor Moniz and Dr. David Dyer.

And the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan was caught up in their attack.

Mr. Moniz denounced the Green Paper on Independence as a failure, saying it was too biased in favour of cutting ties with Britain.

The Smith's South MP said Independence was being "railroaded'' by Government, while not a priority for most Bermudians.

"I'm very disappointed by the Green Paper. It's not as substantial as it should be. It's not as fair as it should be, and quite frankly is inadequate for the job for which it's supposedly designed.'' Mr. Moniz said a Green Paper was supposed to present a policy proposal for consideration, but the Premier had announced plans for a referendum at the same time he announced the Green Paper.

"I'm not in agreement with following a course which seems to be pre-ordained,'' he said.

Later, Dr. Dyer, MP for Pembroke West, waded into his party for not showing leadership on Independence. He blamed Government for confusion among Bermudians about the issue.

"We have to be at least somewhat more honest and open to the Bermuda public.'' Dr. Dyer said the Premier had given conflicting reasons as to why Independence had been thrust on to the front burner.

On the one hand, Sir John had blamed the United Kingdom's pull-out from HMS Malabar, and on the other he pointed to social reasons.

"There is confusion among the public as to why it was thought necessary to bring this issue to the fore at this time.'' Another backbencher, Mr. Rick Spurling, meanwhile, weighed in by saying: "We are moving too fast down the road of Independence.'' Mr. Spurling warned about the impact of Independence on international business.

There was no doubt businesses would be lost, but the question was how many.

Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. Jim Woolridge also nailed his colours firmly to the mast.

Mr. Woolridge said Bermudians had made it quite clear to him they were not in favour of Independence at this time with the Country racked by violence, social division, and employment and racial problems.

"Yet we are going headlong into a situation that will compound the problems of Bermuda.'' Provoking uproar from the Opposition Progressive Labour Party benches, he said: "I stand here because I have four grandchildren I hope will benefit by growing up in the same type of environment I did.'' In an unusual move, MPs have agreed to resume the marathon debate on the Green Paper today. Tomorrow has already been set aside for more debate before Friday's vote.

See Report From The House on Pages 2 and 6. Coverage will continue tomorrow.