Businesses and members of the public will be able to view current and past Bermuda legislation on the Internet later this month.

Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb revealed yesterday that the Bermuda Laws online initiative will go live in the coming month.

The new site will allow people to view all the legislation and print it off for free.

Ms Webb disclosed that another e-government initiative - to allow businesses to pay payroll tax online - will be available over the course of the next year.

The initiative, organised with the Office of the Tax Commissioner, has been running in pilot form with a small group of taxpayers and it will be opened up to a much greater number in July. Over the course of the next year it should be open to all taxpayers, she said.

"Given that over 90 percent of businesses on the Island have Internet access, I am confident that this initiative will be widely welcomed by both local and international companies," Ms Webb said yesterday.

"It will not only save time and money for businesses, but also make Government more efficient in the process." The Minister said the site will be secure and every company will be given an access code to ensure rival companies cannot snoop on the payroll returns of other businesses.

It is not known when a system to allow vehicles to be registered online at the Transport Control Department will be available as consultants are still working on the project, she said.