as Members of Parliament face little in the way of contentious legislation.

Government Whip Rick Spurling last night told The Royal Gazette it's expected to be a quiet night overall -- "though one never knows what can happen during Motions to Adjourn.'' The House is expected to spend about 15 minutes considering a proposal by Government for the purchase from Cable & Wireless of open land at Barry Road in St. George's.

Following that, said Mr. Spurling, Members will debate the second reading of the Professional Surveyors Registration Act 1997; that is expected to take up one to two hours of House time.

Mr. Spurling was unsure if the Opposition would agree to second reading of the Bermuda Bar Amendment Act 1997, a bill which relates discipline and conduct of the Island's legal community.

Government was also hoping to introduce four pieces of new legislation, including a Parliamentary Elections Act which would give the Premier discretion to set a "rain day'' for future votes said Mr. Spurling.

Next week's sitting promises to be a more gruelling affair, he said. Members are expected to take most of the day on a take note motion, debating the "Curriculum Management Audit of the Bermuda Government Public School System.'' Also waiting in the wings is third reading of the Prohibited Restaurant Act 1997, and a take motion moved by the the Minister of Finance Grant Gibbons on the Bermuda Land Development Company Limited Operating Strategy and Business Plan.