area in Pembroke.

Known as 42nd Street, the area is one of the Island's more notorious spots for drug dealing and Government is working in partnership with community initiatives to rehabilitate the area.

Costing just under $100,000 the land measures less than an acre. Minister of Works and Engineering Alex Scott referred to the purchase as a "building block of the New Bermuda''.

He told Parliament that it was part of an important pilot project, involving several other government departments, that would be instructive to other neighbourhoods struggling with the scourge of drug dealing.

The Ministry of Development and Opportunity would be footing the bill for the purchase, he said, while Planning will be preparing a plan for the future development of the area.

Mr. Scott commended the efforts of community leaders and MPs Nelson Bascome and Ottiwell Simmons for tackling drug dealing in the area.

"The MPs have become active stakeholders in this project,'' he said, and added that a new sense of pride had reemerged in St. Monica's.

The Works and Engineering Minister drew murmurs of disapproval from the Opposition benches when he took a swipe at the previous government for a "benign'' attitude in the face of social ills.

"It takes patience and time to get across to the other members where they were remiss and we are progressive,'' said Mr. Scott.

It was pointed out to Mr. Scott by UBP MPs Erwin Adderley and John Barritt that the land had been improperly addressed on the motion.

Mr. Scott later amended the motion to reflect the correct address.

Parliament on Friday also agreed that Government should regulate businesses that offer tattoos, electrolysis and body piercing.

Pending approval by the Senate, the services will be regulated under the Public Health Act.

The Public Health Amendment Act passed on Friday, also means that owners of rooming houses with five or more rooms will have to register their businesses with the minister of Health.

Owners would have to conform to certain minimum standards and maximum occupancy levels.