House of Assembly for Parliamentary questions.

Opposition MPs accused Mr. Dill, Minister of Education and Human Affairs, of being "irresponsible''.

The flash point came when Shadow Education Minister Jennifer Smith stood up to ask Mr. Dill some prepared questions.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Ernest DeCouto said the rules of the House were clear when a Minister was not present to respond.

The questions had to be carried over to the next Parliamentary session or recorded in the minutes, he explained.

Mr. DeCouto repeated his explanation after Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ewart Brown also stood up to ask Mr. Dill some questions.

Both Ms Smith and Dr. Brown said Mr. Dill was totally irresponsible.

MPS SADDENED OVER DEATH OF `AMBASSADOR OF BERMUDA' MPs saddened over death of `ambassador of Bermuda' MPs yesterday voiced sadness at the death of 45-year-old Novel Bradford Talbot -- described as an "ambassador of Bermuda''.

They pointed out Mr. Talbot had spent most of his life in the hospitality industry.

Government backbencher Mr. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge said Mr. Talbot had worked as a bartender and waiter at the Cafe Lido at Elbow Beach.

Shadow Environment Minister Mr Leon (Jimmy) Williams said Mr. Talbot had a "happy face''.

His popularity was shown by the way people from all over the world, including Italy, France and Germany, were coming to his funeral.

Mr. Williams called on the House of Assembly to say goodbye to an ambassador for Bermuda.

Premier Dr. David Saul asked MPs to send a letter of condolence to the family of the late Mr. Alden Flood.

He said Mr. Flood had made his mark as a sportsman, excelling at soccer, darts and snooker in '50s and '60s.

Dr. Saul added Mr. Flood was also the bantamweight champion of Bermuda.