controversy.

The House of Assembly broke up at about 7.30 p.m. -- several hours earlier than many MPs had predicted.

But while the debate may have been over, the two main parties continued trading political blows.

United Bermuda Party Government MPs blamed the Opposition Progressive Labour Party for the debate's premature end. They said it was for a PLP MP to have continued the debate after the last speaker, Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V.

(Jim) Woolridge, sat down.

In particular, they singled out Shadow Community Affairs Minister Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams for blame.

"There were only three PLP members in the House at the time, and Mr. Williams was the one who had still to speak,'' said one Government MP.

"However, he appeared to hesitate, perhaps because of his inexperience, and the Speaker ended the debate since nobody stood up.'' Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade, however, firmly laid the blame at Government's door.

He accused Government MPs, including Ministers, of being tongue-tied throughout the debate.

Among them were Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira, Transport Minister the Hon. Maxwell Burgess, Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill, and Community Affairs Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert.

"These are people with major portfolios who should have spoken,'' said Mr.

Wade.

"Our Shadow Ministers responsible for these portfolios were waiting for them to speak.'' Mr. Wade added: "We have been complaining all day about the manner in which Government members have been behaving.

"It is usual for a Minister to speak and then be followed by his Shadow Minister, but this wasn't happening.'' Mr. Wade said 11 Government MPs had still to speak in the debate, compared to just four Opposition members.

"We even had four of our side speak in a row today,'' he added. "It makes a mockery of the debate.''