passed by the House of Assembly last Friday.

One was a secondary register for ships which Government MPs claimed would bring more business to Bermuda without lowering the Island's shipping standards.

The Opposition was generally in favour of the legislation, but worried Government was running the risk of being flooded with a refugee problem.

The Merchant Shipping (Demise Charter) Act 1994 would allow a ship to have two registries -- one primary one in its original jurisdiction and a secondary one used by those who charter the ship.

The second Bill caused parish councils to lose their assistance role. They needlessly delayed the payment of social assistance cheques in Bermuda, Government argued.

The Parish Assistance (Repeal) Act 1994, supported by the PLP, provides for cheques to be sent directly from the Department.