MPs will today discuss changes to the Police service -- after a printing hiccup left them with only half an Act on Monday.

Government swapped over to a proposal to amend liquor licencing laws on Monday after copies of the Police Amendment Act distributed to MPs was found to have only the odd-numbered pages printed.

Government Whip Rick Spurling said: "We have got the full bill now and it will go ahead.'' The bill, if passed as is likely, gives Police officers a new deal in negotiating pay and conditions.

It proposes amendments regulations to allow for an independent tribunal to decide disputes between rank-and-file officers and management.

Disputes would be referred to the tribunal, whose verdict would be binding on both sides.

The Bill also aims to legally transform the force into a service and rename the Reserve Constabulary the Bermuda Police Reserve.

It also allows for officers to pay their dues to the Police "trade union'', the Police Association, or donate the cash to charity instead.

Also up for discussion will be a bill designed to protect the security of Bermuda's sea-going interests and combat the risk of terrorism on the ocean.

The hard-hitting legislation is designed to fight hijacking on the high seas and terrorist bombing of ships and ports -- with maximum penalties of life imprisonment for offenders.

It was acknowledged by the Minister then in charge of ports, David Dodwell, that a terrorist outrage in Bermuda was "very unlikely.'' But he added that Bermuda needed to come into line with international trends, especially because of the cruise ship industry and the number of ships registered in Bermuda.

The Maritime Security Bill creates new offences relating to acts against ships and ship's officers, as well as giving the Masters of vessels the power to turn offenders over to Island authorities, even if the offences take place outside Bermuda's territorial waters. And the Governor will be able to order searches of ships, harbour areas and terrorist suspects and ships failing to comply with anti-terrorist requests can be impounded.

A special report on the state of the dairy industry will also be discussed, while MPs will be asked to extend the ban on milk imports by backing the Importation of Milk (Prohibition) Act.

In Senate, the Upper House will discuss new get-tough rules on drinking and driving which passed the House two weeks ago.

The Road Traffic Amendment Act introduces new offences of causing grievious bodily harm or death while driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

And new powers for Police to take those suspected of causing serious injury straight to hospital for alcohol and drugs tests are also included.

And a controversial clause which gives Magistrates discretion to ban convicted drinks drivers from only one class of vehicle is removed.

Other driving-related legislation before the Senate is an Act to allow heavier trucks on the roads and an Act to permit vehicles specifically for the physically-handicapped.