And Deputy Premier the Hon. Irving Pearman is expected to announce two advance polling dates for the August 15 Independence referendum.

In a session that is notable for the lack of legislation before Parliament, the only item set to be debated today is Government's set of position papers on Independence.

The United Bermuda Party Government has no position for or against Independence, which is favoured by Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and other members of Cabinet and caucus, but is opposed by most Government MPs who have expressed their views publicly.

The 39-page compendium of position papers, recently tabled in the House, sets out Government's view of an Independent Bermuda, should voters opt to break colonial ties with the United Kingdom in this summer's referendum.

They cover citizenship, appointment of public officers, Government and administration, and external affairs.

In introducing the papers for debate, Mr. Pearman said he would attempt to set the tone as "educational'', and keep politics out of it.

The Opposition Progressive Labour Party has spelled out views similar to Government's on several issues surrounding Independence, but sharp differences are expected to be outlined in today's debate.

Also today, Mr. Pearman said he would make an announcement on advance polls for the referendum, which are expected to be set for July 25 and August 8.

Earlier, Mr. Pearman said he could set the advance poll dates by "negative resolution'', creating regulations to the Independence Referendum Act.

The Parliamentary Election Act only provides for one advance poll, but some Government MPs have pushed for a second one.