Government is maintaining its push for Independence with a pledge to hold further parliamentary and public debate but Premier Alex Scott has again refused to give a timetable.

The bid for sovereignty was one of the key themes of yesterday's Throne Speech which also promised action on housing, drugs and young people as Government unrolled its legislative plans for the coming year.

It also revealed plans to set up a Government Information TV channel to increase Bermudian content on the airwaves while tougher penalties will be brought in for sexual assaults.

And there was good news for north Hamilton with plans to set up an economic empowerment zone to encourage and protect overlooked entrepreneurs.

At the ceremony on the lawn of the Cabinet office The Duke of York, who is on a three-day visit, read the Throne speech which promised to hold public meetings and then debate Independence extensively in parliament.

Speaking on behalf of Government, the Duke said: "If the process towards sovereignty is handled in an open manner international business will not leave these shores, the dollar will not lose its value and the status and relationships with overseas neighbours will not be threatened.

"Independence is therefore a natural progression for a mature jurisdiction such as Bermuda.

"The work of the Commission may be completed but it is crucial that their footprints not be forgotten.

"Therefore, to educate the public about the conclusions reached by BIC, the Government will hold public meetings across the island."

Afterwards Premier Alex Scott said he could not indicate how long Bermuda would deliberate the issue or say how the issue would be decided.

He has promised both a Green Paper (a discussion document) and a White Paper, which is normally a precursor to legislation, outlining Government's proposals for Independence.

Historically the PLP has wanted to decide the issue at a general election but Mr. Scott again said a general election and an Independence referendum could be held simultaneously.

But he added: "It could be a general election on one day and one year hence, or thereabouts, a referendum."

Opposition Leader Grant Gibbons questioned why there was a need for both a Green Paper and a White Paper given the months of consultations and public meetings held by the independent Bermuda Independence Commission which published a report in September.

Dr. Gibbons said: "It looks like the Premier is dragging this out as long as he possible can.

"It is absurd at this point to have both a green paper and a white paper, we have had the BIC report and a lot of information before the public. We would really like him to get on with it."

The Opposition has called for Government to set a referendum date by March next year to end uncertainty which they say is frightening international business. Polls have consistently shown a clear majority against splitting from Britain.

But Mr. Scott said there was a need for both the Green and White Paper.

He said: "We would have to have exhausted the subject to the satisfaction of parliament for it to be put aside. "I think it is important for parliament to go through the very important process. It is a very historical event, we would want that in the parliamentary record."

Asked how long the process will take Mr. Scott said he would not draw it out any longer than necessary but nor would he pre-empt the process if people needed more information.

Aside from the issue of independence Government plan to set up a Government information channel.

Premier Scott said it would increase local content, provide an opportunity for young Bermudians to enter the field of media as well as allow the Government to get its message over in an unfiltered format. Also announced was a new think tank to coordinate the Social Agenda, which was the key theme of last year's Throne Speech, which Mr. Scott said now boasted up to 60 initiatives.

The Social Agenda Management Resource Team will have advisors from the private sector and the wider community.

A glaring omission, for the second year running, was promised human rights legislation protecting gays from discrimination.

It had been famously omitted last November from the Throne Speech despite earlier promises. The situation then prompted PLP backbencher Renee Webb to say she would table legislation herself. Asked about the lack of action Mr. Scott said: "It's a call for the minister but also a call for Cabinet. I don't see an immediate demand for attention to the subject.

"The subject would have to go before the party for them to reflect to us their position on it. But at some point I am sure the minister will bring it to Cabinet's attention."

The speech also included promises of free passports for seniors and help for the unemployed wanting to get back to work, although Government said this involved advice not financial aid.