Government's controversial new cruise ship policy is set to launch a stormy session in the House of Assembly today.

And House insiders predict the debate on the Department of Tourism document will swamp all other business in an argument likely to continue late into the night.

Government Whip Rick Spurling confirmed yesterday: "The whole day will be taken up with the cruise ship policy -- and it could go on into the early hours.

"I expect ten or so substantial speeches and there may be a lot of people adding their opinions as well.'' The major recommendation in the cruise ship policy revamp, which came off the slips in April, was an annual permit fee aimed at cruise lines contracted to the Bermuda run, to start at the beginning of the 1998 season and which could add up to $1.8 million a year to Government's treasure chest.

The new-look policy also insisted there were no berths for an additional cruise ship -- unless the proposal met conditions set by the Tourism Ministry.

Government insists a weekend caller would only be considered on a "cruise and stay'' scheme -- aimed at clearing the way through the minefield laid by hotel and guest house operators.

The new tax means cruise lines will pay $4 a berth per night in port from May to August and $2 on the same basis in September and October.

The fee will rise by $1 a year thereafter and apply even when cabin berths are unoccupied.

Tourism Ministry chiefs estimate the tax will amount to around $300,000 a season per ship for regular callers.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell admitted cruise lines would probably pass the increase on to passengers.

But he said it was felt it was not an excessive charge, especially considering cruise ships do not have to support Island taxes like the payroll tax, occupancy tax and social insurance.

It is envisaged the extra cash will be used to improve the Island's transport services in a bid to make Bermuda more customer friendly and competitive with other destinations.

The new policy will also restrict the total passenger capacity of ships in port to 6,000 a day between May and October in a bid to relieve stress on the visitor industry's resources.

Other recommendations in the policy document include providing more value for money trips ashore and establishing a commission to look at improving on-Island entertainment.

The cruise ship debate will mean a regular report on the business of the Bermuda Land Development Company's operating strategy and business plan will remain in dry dock.

But Education Minister Jerome Dill will table the results of an audit of his Ministry by an outside consultant, although no debate will take place.

The survey looked at the Ministry's procedures, strategies and management structure with a view to making recommendations for improvement.

Several draft regulations relating to the business of Marine and Ports and a second reading of the Marine Board Amendment Act 1997 are also on the order paper.

The regulations and act all relate to updating marine legislation to stay in line with the highest international standards.

And consideration of a report of the Rules and Privileges Committee on an amendment to House rules on a Register of Members' Interests due to be tabled by Speaker Ernest DeCouto is also set to be delayed.

It is understood the report is a discussion on whether or not a joint House of Assembly and Senate standing Parliamentary committee on MPs outside interests should be set up or whether both Houses of Parliament should establish their own committees.