welcomed by lawyers.

Currently magistrates can hear cases up to $5,000. Claims over that go to the Supreme Court.

But now Government intends increasing the ceiling for magistrates.

And on Friday Legislative Affairs Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto tabled a bill in the House of Assembly.

"Magistrates' Court should really be a small claims court,'' she said afterwards, adding the move was aimed at allowing claimants to represent themselves in the lower court.

Bermuda Bar Association presiddent Mr. John Cooper applauded the move, and pointed out the association had recommended it.

Mr. Cooper said the civil case ceiling was examined periodically.

"It has to be reviewed to keep track with the decreasing purchasing power of the dollar,'' he said.

Mr. Cooper produced figures showing how the Magistrates' Court ceiling had gone up.

In 1970 it was $1,700; 1975, $2,500; and 1986, $5,000.

Lawyer Mr. John Riihiluoma, and ex-president of the Bar Association, said he generally welcomed the Magistrates' Court change.

He went on, however, to voice concern at the length of time it sometimes took Magistrates' Court to deal with contested civil claims.

Cases were often adjourned and tended "to drift a bit'', he added.