Sparks flew on the Senate motion to adjourn yesterday, as the Opposition called for a referendum on Independence while the Government called for the UBP to declare its stance on the issue.

Opposition Senate leader Kim Swan demanded Government ?put the people?s minds to rest? and declare that Independence should be decided by a referendum.

Progressive Labour Party spokesperson Scott Simmons had already hinted the party itself was warming up to the idea, he said ? however as Mr. Simmons does not officially speak for Government, Sen. Swan hoped for clarification on the matter.

There is an ?overwhelming majority support on both sides? for a referendum, Sen. Swan said.

Government Senator Walter Roban hit back, however, calling on the Opposition to come up with their own stance on the issue itself, and stop worrying about whether it will be decided by referendum or General Election.

The PLP is in the same boat as Government, Sen. Roban said, and Premier Alex Scott has been very clear on his stance on Independence ? whereas the UBP have offered no position.

Government Senator Neville Tyrrell echoed Sen. Roban?s call for the UBP to declare its position on Independence, while Government Senator Raymond Tannock said Government was ?not about fearmongering, about threatening anyone? on the issue.

The issue of what will happen to the businesses at Southside when the new Harbourside Development gets under way was also raised on the motion to adjourn.

Opposition Senator Kenneth Bascome said no one was opposed to the development of 196 houses at Southside, with 96 of them set aside as affordable homes.

However, Government still has not told businesses in the area when they will have to vacate the premises, with at least seven of the 35 businesses contacting Sen. Bascome with their concerns.

Those businesses were promised they would be given adequate accommodations when time came for them to move, Sen. Bascome said ? a promise which has now been taken back.

He called on Government, the Bermuda Housing Corporation and the Bermuda Land Development Company to contact the businesses ?so that they not be held in limbo?.

?We are alleviating one problem to create another,? he said.

Government Senator Reginald Burrows said the businesses cannot expect Government to do everything for them.

However Government Senate leader Larry Mussenden expressed his surprise that the BLDC has not already communicated its plans to the Southside businesses, and promised Government will ensure that it is done.

Senators reached the motion to adjourn in less than 20 minutes yesterday after tabling just two pieces of legislation.

The legislation ? the Historic Wrecks Amendment Act 2004 and the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2004 ? reached the Senate this week after passing through the House of Assembly on Friday.

They will be debated next week.