A bid to set up a special register of MPs' business interests is set to hit the rocks.

And a split in the ranks of a special committee -- which has already drawn up forms for MPs to register outside interests which could lead to conflicting loyalties -- is set to mean the plan will be put on hold.

New committee member and Progressive Labour Party MP Dale Butler said he favoured the current register deal -- already accepted by the House -- being "rescinded'' and a fresh committee set up to look at a watered-down version.

Mr. Butler said: "I would not be keen on supporting a process which is as thorough as this.'' And he added that the rules as they stood -- which includes political branches having to declare donations and family members' interests -- was using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Mr. Butler said: "I don't even know what my wife's assets are. I don't see why the country should.'' And he added that the Bermuda rules were more appropriate for a country like the US, where full-time politicians could be influenced by massive industries and super-rich backers.

Mr. Butler said: "Bermuda's not like that..if this was attempting to take a step where we had full-time, paid, politicians and numerous examples of perks and benefits, maybe.'' He added: "We would have to rescind it and decide whether we will bring a motion to the House for discussion at a later date.'' And Mr. Butler warned: "I also believe that anyone thinking about becoming an MP would think twice, especially given the levels of pay, if they have to go through this.

"I have virtually nothing to declare and if I'd known about this, I wouldn't have run for the House.'' Mr. Butler said the rules were adopted after a PLP waverer on the former committee signed the report during the term of the former United Bermuda Party Government.

He added that the Speaker ruled which made it a majority report and that it should be regarded as approved.

But last November's General Election intervened and a new committee -- but still under the chairmanship of UBP backbencher Trevor Moniz, who steered the regulations through -- was set up.

Mr. Butler said: "I do not believe that, on a conscience vote, this register would be supported.'' And he added: "There are many people in the UBP who feel the same way.'' Mr. Butler also warned that rules on declaring party branch donations could be avoided.

He said: "It could mean people using devious means -- or not contributing at all.'' Mr. Moniz could not be contacted for comment yesterday -- but UBP Legislative Affairs spokesman John Barritt said: "This is a very interesting development.

"It would also be interesting to see if it has anything to do with the fact that the PLP have now moved from Opposition to Government.'' And he added he would be speaking to UBP committee members Mr. Moniz, David Dodwell and Sen. Kim Swan on the subject as soon as possible.