Adjourn yesterday over the drug-related arrest of seven under-23 soccer players.

"Within the past few hours, word has reached this House of an unfortunate development that has befallen our under-23 football team as it was returning from Jamaica,'' Progressive Labour Party MP Dr. Ewart Brown , the first politician to bring up the subject, told the Assembly.

"We understand that several members were arrested at Miami airport on drug charges. We do not have all of the facts at the moment, but what we do know is sufficiently tragic to indicate the pervasiveness of this problem in our Country.'' Dr. Brown's sentiments were echoed by many in the House, including the Premier.

"I'm sure that all of us are saddened by the news that has reached our shores,'' the Hon. Sir John Swan said. "It is something that every parent, every employer, every loved one fears. If true, it is a scar on our Country.'' In addition to scandalising Bermudians, the Premier said, the arrest of the seven players as they returned from their victory at the Pan Am Games qualifiers would have greater ramifications.

"This will not only affect us, but also other countries who have always seen Bermuda as a responsible, caring, concerned place,'' he said. "These young men represented our Country. There must be people wondering why, why this happened.'' Referring to yesterday's awarding of monetary compensation to a citizen who aided Police in securing a large cache of drugs recently, the Premier added: "Just as we were giving awards to people who helped in the war on drugs, the snake's tail was giving us a lash. This evening, we must all bear a level of sadness.'' In addition to laments over yesterday's news, however, at least one Member of Parliament demanded immediate corrective action.

Said Government backbencher Mr. Harry Soares : "We propose that no further funding be forwarded to any sporting body until mandatory drug testing is introduced.'' Despite the focus on the under-23 team, some MPs did manage to bring up other issues.

On a somewhat lighter note, Shadow Human Affairs Minister Ms Renee Webb urged an end to the discriminatory practices of having women retreat from apres-dinner discussions in such venues as Government House and particularly the emphasis that has traditionally been placed on couples at many official social functions.

"I don't think I should be discriminated against because I am single,'' she told the Assembly.

When Speaker of the House Mr. Ernest DeCouto replied that she was speaking on topics there were not within the House's sphere of authority, Ms Webb shot back: "But I was referring to the Speaker's Dinner.'' Amid roars of laughter, Mr. DeCouto then provided his own sly retort: "I can only say that if the Honourable Member is contemplating marital bliss I can delay the Speaker's Dinner for a couple of months.'' Later the Premier rose to inform the Assembly that the practice of having women excluded from after-dinner events had been abolished at all official functions, including those at Government House.