But the big question is: By how much should the salaries be increased? The last time the salaries were increased caused a storm of public protest, and this week a Royal Gazette reporter took to the streets of Hamilton to find out what some people thought.

One young lady thought that the salary was deserved.

"If they haven't had one in six years, then I think they deserve it,'' clerk/typist Ms Kelly Govia said.

And another gentleman thought that the salaries should remain as they are.

Mr. Princeton Robinson said: "Leave them as they are.'' One Hamilton accountant who requested anonymity had this to say: "If they intend to increase their salaries, I think it should be done on a regular basis. No one can do without an increase in six years, but one large increase every five or six years makes it look worse than it is. I feel that they deserve an increase, but (getting them) should be on the same level as us.'' Accountant Mr. Robert Neilsen said: "It's very unfortunate in that Government can buy 88 cars for civil servants, and take care of them -- an expense that amounts to nearly $2 million, and then turn around and lay off all those police officers. About 75 percent of the MPs are millionaires, and they don't need the pay increase anyway.'' Another man added this thought: "They definitely don't need it. In fact, I need a raise. They have just increased our hospital levy! Everyone is struggling. Why can't they?'' Mr. Leon Edmead thought that an increase would be "outrageous.'' "It's outrageous. I could see them getting it if they were full-time. I don't see why they don't just donate part of their salaries to charity like the late President Kennedy did. There are those in the House who are struggling and may need the money, but there are more who don't need it.'' Computer expert Mr. Tony Wilkinson preferred to look at the matter in a balanced point of view.

"On the one hand,'' he said, "they (the MPs) are only part-time, but they do put in a lot of hours. It's fair that they get an increase, but at what amount? Yes, they deserve an increase, but I'm not qualified to say by how much.'' A lady named Anita was adamant that they not get an increase: "No way. What are they doing for us?'' Another, named Sharon, said: "My automatic response is no. I'm not in favour of it. But my biggest question would be, `What is their hourly rate?', Just like us, how much do they get paid per hour of work?'' Another Hamilton merchant said: "Their attitude is: `I take care of myself, and myself alone.' What about me? I have been trying to get a second job -- I have been trying to put two kids through school on one salary. The MPs have two different jobs, and they are the ones who are making the money.'' Bank employee Phyllis Flood summed it up best: "Six years has been a long time, and maybe they should have a raise, but I would like them to be more productive.'' Mr. Tony Wilkinson.

Ms Kelly Govia.

Mr. Robert Neilson