Shadow Whip Cole Simons claimed yesterday.

And Mr. Simons said: "Based on business they have brought forward so far, from a corporate perspective, I would say the shareholders aren't getting value for money.'' He was speaking after it was revealed that Government is set to do just one or two items in the House of Assembly today -- one a motion by United Bermuda Party MP Trevor Moniz, asking the House to back a report on traffic pollution.

But Mr. Simons said: "I'm a vice president of the Bank of Bermuda. I have a job to do and I have to ensure that things are addressed and that my managers give value for money.

"My personal opinion is that Government needs to take the job more seriously.'' Mr. Simons noted that out of seven items on the order paper for today, only Mr. Moniz' traffic motion to approve a 1998 report on emission control, and possibly consideration of a lease of the Springfield property from the National Trust, would be dealt with.

He added: "We will probably finish by 2 p.m. and we've finished early before -- but we get paid for a full day.'' And Mr. Simons added: "People are depending on us and they're beginning to ask what's going on up on the hill.

"If we had shareholders, they would certainly be asking for more value for money.''