allow prisoners to escape can be locked up for life was passed in the House of Assembly.

The Criminal Code Amendment Act went through despite protests from Opposition MPs who asked for the matter to be held over until today's session because Shadow Minister for Legislative Affairs John Barritt was sick.

Shadow Finance Minister Grant Gibbons also expressed frustration at the alleged short notice about the bill being on the agenda. But Government Whip Ottiwell Simmons said the bill had been on the order sheet since February 18.