Members of Parliament could soon be allowed to wear Bermuda's national dress in the House of Assembly - but opposition MP John Barritt has accused Government of being disrespectful in the way it has handled the issue.

On Friday, the controversial issue of whether or not MPs should be allowed to wear shorts in the House was tabled for debate and decision later this month.

But Mr. Barritt, who is a member of the Rules and Privileges Committee which previously discussed the matter, said only one report on the committee's discussion had been drawn up.

And he said the report, detailing what was agreed by those in favour of the shorts ruling, had only been signed by three of the six members, including Premier Jennifer Smith.

Mr. Barritt said usual practice where there was a difference in opinion was to draw up two reports -- each one signed by those who support it.

But in this case, only report one was drawn up, which had been signed by just half of the committee.

He accused Government of showing its "usual arrogance'' and said the report should never have been put before the House without a signature from himself, opposition leader Pamela Gordon, and the PLP's own member, The Honourable Speaker, Stanley Lowe.

He said: "One would have thought the Speaker would have had a say in what was tabled in the House.

"We don't see eye to eye on what is proposed here. There is a difference in opinion.

"But that said, they still should follow procedure. I'm afraid Government is just showing its usual arrogance.'' The report states that the three members agreed that the dignity of the House would not be compromised by allowing women members to wear business short suits and business trouser suits.

Men, it said, should be allowed to wear traditional Bermuda shorts business dress, traditional West Indian and African Business dress and Nehru suits.