afternoon.

Government Senator Patrice Parris assured senators that Customs officers would not be allowed to carry out free searches of premises.

The only checks would be in order to renew information and to ensure premises were in compliance with the law.

And Sen. Parris, parliamentary secretary for Home Affairs, revealed the Customs Department now has it's own website which explains for entrepreneurs the new proceedures of the department.

The website is www.customs.gov.bm and was opened late last month.

Ms Parris called the new system a "streamlined and user friendly'' way of processing accounts and said it was produced from an "inclusive and consultative'' approach over the past few years.

Sen. Parris also said the Companies Amendment Act 2000, which was also passed unanimously, was mainly a "housekeeping'' exercise to clarify existing statutes.

The changes had been worked out in conjunction with Bermuda International Business Association to ensure the Island remains a reliable and responsible jurisdiction.

The changes include reducing company quorums for general meetings, relief for companies over the issuing of prospectuses every calendar year, solvency test modifications, and bringing the Island into line with company law in England by ensuring the registered office of a company is always on file.

Independent Sen Walwyn Hughes welcomed the changes. He said one new clause would allow local companies to get licences to sell more than 40 per cent of their shares overseas.

This was in anticipation of the relaxation of the 60/40 ownership rules without being out of compliance.