Minister for Labour and Home Affairs Paula Cox was praised by the Opposition for consulting with residents on controversial issues -- but Government was urged to follow her lead.

United Bermuda Party Senator Kim Swan said too often Government had failed to meet with residents and discuss matters that would impact on them.

As a result, he said they were left to gather pieces of information via the rumour mill and said Government could save itself a lot of time and false information if it was more transparent.

But during the budget debate on the Labour and Home Affairs Ministry, Sen.

Swan said ministers, including Ms Cox, had to be sure the meetings were held prior to final decisions being taken.

It was not good enough to hold public meetings after the decisions had been made.

He said: "I'm not faulting this particular ministry, but while it is good to have consultation take place, it's incumbent for Government to have consultation before the fact.'' And he referred to a meeting held in St. David's last week by Ms Cox to enable residents to ask questions and learn more about the new civil prison planned for Southside, which will house fathers who have not paid child support.

He praised the minister for calling the meeting and said others should follow suit, but said even in the case of the civil prison, the meeting had been left a little late.

He said: "It's pretty much well established -- a programme is in place.

"I know the residents have learned about these things through the rumour mill, but they would have had far greater input if they had more consultation.

"There are so many things taking place that are impacting on these persons lives.

"The unfortunate thing is, as it relates to St. David's, as is the case with other developments that have come one board down there, people are finding out about these things once the train has left the station and is well on its way.'' And he said it was up to the elected MPs in the St. David's area to meet with residents and ensure their questions were being answered.

If residents were unhappy about proposals, it was up to MPs to support them, no matter which side of Government they were on, he said.

And Sen. Swan said it is only at public meetings, such as the one last week, where people could raise specific concerns.

On the minds of some residents regarding the civil prison were things such as having adequate lighting, security and transport to enable the facility to run securely and professionally, he claimed.

Progressive Labour Party Senator Col. David Burch rounded off the session on the Home Affairs ministry by saying Ms Cox had done more for the people of Bermuda than any other minister in that role.

He said: "I submit to the Prison Officers Association, in particular, and the people of Bermuda in general, that contrary to suggestions that this Government has not done enough to help them, rather than that, they stand the best chance ever under the current minister, who has demonstrated the willingness to address their concerns more than any other previous minister in the position.

"I'm delighted to be her Permanent Secretary.'' During the debate yesterday afternoon, Sen. Burch answered a question raised earlier that day by a member of the Opposition as to Government's position on corporal punishment and discipline.

And he said he was shocked to hear people repeating the "misconception'' that Government was against parents disciplining their children with the use of smacking.

He said that notion was "absolute nonsense.'' He said: "If you bring children into this world, you are hardly going to allow anybody else to tell you how you must raise them.

"There is no law in this country that prevents parents from using corporal punishment when disciplining their children. Where we draw the line is abuse.'' Kim Swan