the needy.

The move follows the launch of a major Government review of the parish councils.

It is aimed at finding a fresh role for them amid claims they have lost virtually all power.

Yesterday Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness explained how councils once played a key role with social assistance cash.

But that role was gradually reduced over the years, he said.

Nowadays cheques were sent to the needy by the Accountant General -- not parish councils -- acting on instructions from the Financial Services Department, formerly the Social Assistance Department.

The process bypassed councils, said Mr. Edness.

He added Government now wanted to sweep away legislation which first involved councils.

The Parish Assistance (Repeal) Act 1993 was thus tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

It would be considered by MPs at a later session.

"There is really no point to the original Act,'' said Mr. Edness.

Mr. Edness added Government's review of the parish councils would be carried out by New Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill.

One idea is for councils to join the war against drugs.

Mr. Dill intends talking with leaders of the nine parish councils.

He will ask them to recommend how the councils can be strengthened, and given fresh purpose.

Concern has been voiced over how councils, formerly parish vestries, had been stripped of their powers.

Former United Bermuda Party backbencher Mr. Anthony Correia said councils needed responsibility to attract good members.

Shadow Social Services Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome said parish vestries had been an effective "ombudsman'' between the public and Government.