forming Bermuda's new drugs authority.

The Opposition Leader complained his party had no say in drafting the National Drug Commission Bill 1993.

And he attacked the way members would be appointed to the new body, which should be set up by the end of this year.

But Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness hit back strongly yesterday.

He said it was for Government's lawyer, the Attorney General, to draft legislation -- not the PLP.

And he stressed Government had invited Mr. Wade to give his comments on it.

"We want the leader of the Opposition to be a partner in this fight against drugs,'' said Mr. Edness.

Mr. Edness said the legislation could be amended if the PLP found serious fault with it.

The bill was tabled in the House of Assembly last Friday.

But Mr. Edness told MPs it would not be debated until after Easter.

The legislation would set up a non-political drug authority in line with Government consultant Dr. David Archibald's recommendations.

It would co-ordinate moves toward treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

The Drug Commission, a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation (quango), has a $1.2 million budget in the 1993/4 estimates.

The Montrose Substance Abuse Centre and Addiction Services will be placed under the Commission, and it will also incorporate the National Alcohol and Drug Agency, said Mr. Edness.

Mr. Edness believed a "small, competent, efficient'' staff would be more effective than a large, unwieldy one.

Yesterday Mr. Wade said the PLP had been excluded from discussions over the legislation, despite Government assurances.

He had wanted lawyer Mr. Ian Kawaley to help draft the bill. But this was denied.

Mr. Wade said he was given just two weeks to comment on the bill before it was tabled.

This was too short a time since the PLP needed to concentrate on the Budget, he said.

Mr. Wade added he was unhappy with the proposed method of appointing people to the commission.

Under it, Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, in consultation with Mr. Wade, would draw up a list of appointees.

This was unsatisfactory because in the past PLP recommendations had been ignored, said Mr. Wade.

"I would like some appointments to be made by the Governor on my advice to ensure we get a decent representation.'' Mr. Edness, however, dismissed Mr. Wade's attack, saying board members would be selected in a bipartisan way.

The Premier had given assurances he would listen to Mr. Wade's recommendations, said Mr. Edness.

And he had assured Mr. Wade the bill would be withdrawn and resubmitted if the PLP found major faults with it.