than planned next Wednesday.

And Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade is annoyed that the meeting is going ahead.

Mr. Wade said Government had broken an agreement by bringing forward the Senate by a week. He claimed it was the second time this month that Government had gone back on its word.

Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson confirmed yesterday that the Senate would sit on Wednesday but said there would be no debate on the Independence Referendum Bill.

It was originally planned for March 2, following a discussion between Senate leaders the Hon. Gerald Simons and PLP Senate leader Mr. Milton Scott.

Mr. Wade said: "Both parties agreed to the timetable, bearing in mind the legislation that was forthcoming and in the pipeline.

"Our members acted on that and booked business trips abroad. They all have businesses to look after and took the opportunity to travel. They have booked flights and hotels, which they cannot cancel.'' The Opposition leader admitted he was "taken aback'' when he was told by Mr.

Jackson that the Senate would meet next week.

"The President knew about the agreement and the Premier knew about the agreement. You would expect people to abide by it.'' Mr. Wade had tried to persuade the President and the Premier to change the meeting date to next Friday, but they refused. He noted that the bill could be read two or three times at the March meeting, but again this request was refused.

"The reality is that the PLP will not be there next Wednesday, so I don't know if the Premier is trying to pull anything,'' said Mr. Wade. "He may intend to hold three readings of the bill that day.

"It is not a matter of urgent public importance. After all, the Governor has made it clear that he will only make a decision on the bill after the Queen's visit.'' Sen. Jackson assured the PLP leader that the bill would only receive the first reading for technical reasons to allow it to go to debate at a future meeting.

But Mr. Wade was still annoyed and said it was the second time in a fortnight that Government had broken a promise.

Private discussions about the PLP's involvement in the US Base closure talks were supposed to be kept under wraps, according to the Opposition. But Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman revealed details in Parliament earlier this month.

Mr. Wade said: "It seems that when the Government gives its word on something it is of no value whatsoever. This does not look bright for the future.'' Sen. Jackson, confirming the meeting, said: "There will be no debate as such.

It is pretty much a technical meeting, simply to process the bill that has just been passed by the House of Assembly.

"It is unfortunate that the PLP cannot be there but I do not think they will be missing anything important.''