after Government suffered an embarrassing legislative setback last night.

In a surprise move, the passage of the Parliamentary Elections Amendment Act was blocked when an effort by Government to have the bill read for the third time was defeated.

Under House rules, bills must be left for a week between the second reading -- when they are debated -- and the third reading, but Mr. Edness wanted the rules suspended as yesterday's House session was supposed to be its last of the summer.

But the Progressive Labour Party objected to the motion and called for a roll call vote. With six UBP MPs absent from the Chamber, the motion was defeated by a vote of 15 to 14.

Mr. Edness said last night the third reading will now take place on Wednesday.

Debate: Page 4